When the Future Doesn't Need Us (borretti.me)

A new perspective on the future of work in an AI-dominated world suggests that while automation may displace jobs, it might not lead to mass unemployment. Instead, as AI takes over traditional roles, human labor will likely shift to relational sectors—care, education, and the arts—where the human experience is central. This transition raises concerns about disempowerment, as workers in these fields may lack the material leverage their industrial predecessors had. Unlike factory workers who could halt production through strikes, those in the relational economy might find that their contributions can be rendered unnecessary, diluting their capacity to challenge authority. The implications for the AI/ML community are profound. As advanced AI systems become capable of autonomous operation in various sectors, questions arise about the future of political empowerment and societal structure. The model suggests that without significant material stakes or the ability to coordinate resistance, humans could become increasingly disempowered, potentially leading to a scenario where governments remain stable yet authoritarian due to the lack of a workforce for whom they must cater. This shift could reshape socio-political landscapes, prompting urgent discussions about how to maintain democratic values in an era of pervasive automation.