In the whirlwind of technological advancements, artificial intelligence (AI) often becomes the scapegoat for broader societal issues. It’s an easy target, a non-human entity that we can blame for job displacement, privacy concerns, and even ethical dilemmas. However, this perspective is not only simplistic but also misdirected.
The crux of the matter isn’t AI itself, but the economic system under which it operates - capitalism. It’s capitalism that dictates the motives behind AI development and deployment. Under this system, AI is primarily used to maximize profits, often at the expense of the workforce and ethical considerations. This profit-driven motive can lead to job losses as companies seek to cut costs, and it can prioritize corporate interests over privacy and fairness.
So, why should we shift our anger from AI to capitalism? Because AI, as a tool, has immense potential to improve lives, solve complex problems, and create new opportunities. It’s the framework of capitalism, with its inherent drive for profit over people, that often warps these potentials into societal challenges.
By focusing our frustrations on capitalism, we advocate for a change in the system that governs AI’s application. We open up a dialogue about how we can harness AI ethically and equitably, ensuring that its benefits are widely distributed rather than concentrated in the hands of a few. We can push for regulations that protect workers, maintain privacy, and ensure AI is used for the public good.
In conclusion, AI is not the enemy; unchecked capitalism is. It’s time we recognize that our anger should not be at the technology that could pave the way for a better future, but at the economic system that shapes how this technology is used.
Why not both?
If used correctly newer generation AIs could be an absolute game changer In fields like medicine, finances, computing, public transport, customer services etc.
But what they’ll actually be used for is to make more money.
If you take capitalism out of the equation they could be an amazing force for good. But under our current system they won’t.
They’re also used to make less money – by the people whose jobs will be replaced so that those up top can make more money.
AI at this point exacerbates the wealth gap.
But they’re also used to make open source software that gives people the tools they need to work together on community design protects which can free everyone from capitalism.
I’ve been using them to help coding and they’re really useful even at this early stage, all the people i follow making ai tools and similar are using ai too which is one of the reasons we’re getting so many great free to use tools. Ai design tools will be used to make flosh devices that can be fabricated locally using ai assisted tooling, it will totally change the entire structure of society and improve things significantly
because AI is just a tool.
it could be used for good.
Because when greed and money aren’t in the equation, AI is pretty useful and for most people it isn’t costing them anything.