There is no room: the sphere of automation (metastable.org)

In a recent discussion, Tristan Harris emphasized that the current phase of AI-driven automation represents a significant departure from past industrial advancements, as it now impacts a variety of unrelated fields simultaneously. Historically, the sphere of automation has expanded steadily, yet humanity has consistently found new jobs outside its reach. However, the combination of rapid technological progress and the broadening scope of AI raises concerns about future job availability, leading to anxiety around employment in the workforce. Despite this uncertainty, the argument is made that the sphere of automation is expanding into "empty space," allowing for the emergence of new jobs driven by human ingenuity that cannot yet be envisioned. As the surface area of automation grows, so will opportunities for humans to add value in novel ways. While there will undoubtedly be disruptions, history suggests that society will adapt and evolve around automation. This ongoing development will require observation and understanding, as the evolution of jobs will reflect an economy and culture that are yet to be realized.