Like so many people in history, I struggle to process progress. On one hand, it's inevitable and probably makes life better for people. On the other hand, many new technologies and systems are implemented without thinking through the long-term effects. Cars have been great, but they've brought a lot of pollution. Social media made it easier to stay in contact, but the way it was executed has turned the users into zombie content machines.
And so I continue to debate my feelings on AI. Yes, it's going to make many mundane jobs easier, and it's being pushed so hard and so quickly that its inevitability seems certain. But I really don't think they've looked at the long-term effects on people, the environment and our society. As a writer, the promise of generative AI is pretty strong, and that leaves me in a position where I don't know if there will be a job for me in 10 years.
But there is one positive side to all of this technology that I think might illuminate a long-term benefit for all of us, and that's accessibility. When used in the right way, all of this technology can be very inclusive and democratizing.
When used the right way.
Case in point is Minecraft YouTuber, GoodTimesWithScar or just Scar for short. Scar is a YouTube gamer I've followed for nearly a decade during my own Minecraft journey, and he's an incredibly talented and creative builder in the game. But, most importantly for this conversation, he's also a disabled person. From what he's told his viewers, he suffers from a severe autoimmune disease that's left him in a wheelchair, dependent on oxygen and a flurry of other medical interventions. He's absent for long spells at a time as he battles with his health issues and the usual rigamarole of life.
But here's where we see the positives of technology. Obviously, on the surface, we have medical technology not only keeping him alive but helping him to maintain some mobility and capability. But we also have social media, low-cost video production technology and the internet, giving him a job and a community. I can't say exactly what he makes, but he seems to make enough to help support his life a bit, and he brings inspiration and entertainment to thousands, possibly millions of people. In the 1990s, he probably would have just been kept alive, and before that, I'm not sure we'd have the wonder of Scar to enjoy.
Sure, all he's doing is playing a game, but it's entertaining and giving him a role in society. So, what does this mean for the rest of us?
My hope is that as technology takes the terrible jobs, the rest of us get to explore our creative and expressive sides more. Honestly, I want people like Scar to get first dibs. I think that's the first step of the transition and one that we're already in. And don't get me wrong, there are myriads of fully capable people, both physically and mentally, doing the same job as Scar. So they're ahead of the curve a bit.
But don't think that's the end game being planned by the Illuminati - I'm sure they're happy to just inhale all of the money and wealth and leave the rest of us picking through trash piles for new styles and inventions. Hence, my assertion at the top that these technologies aren't being thought through long-term.
Who's to say? Lots of the oracles and pundits are predicting big societal change over the next decade or two, and I think we're well overdue. So maybe, just maybe, my music career becomes the norm and not just some weird guy trying to convince you that kazoo is cool.
1 comment:
Here's hoping. I'd even be happy with AI just doing the shitty tasks at work. Nobody likes taking meeting minutes but AI is amazing at it. The only reason it isn't used more is due to privacy concerns.
If we can all have our own little AI LLM that doesn't send info to others, then that would be amazing. Google has one with Notebook LLM, but I don't trust that it isn't being used elsewhere, even if they say it isn't.
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