just because we can
All of the conversation surrounding AI and its threat to displace everyone from their jobs has me wondering, “Just because we can, does that mean we should?”
Just because we can replace cashiers with self-checkout and automation, does that mean we should?
Just because we’ll be able to buy a robot to clean our house, does that mean we should?
Just because we can use ChatGPT to write emails, stories, presentations, and even books, does that mean we should?
Just because we can build fleets of autonomous vehicles, does that mean we should?
I don’t know what the “right” answer is, but I lean towards no, we shouldn’t just because we can on many things. I know there are times leveraging technology is a benefit and is the right thing to do–I think these situations are more common when the deciding factor isn’t financial.
Leveraging technology just to save money, while on the surface seems like a great idea, the unintended consequences could make things worse in the long run.
For example, if entry-level jobs are mostly given to AI, how does someone get the experience and opportunity to start their career? So yes, early on the corporation will save money in not having to hire people, but if there are too many people not working or working jobs that do not pay them enough, who will provide the demand for the services and products being produced by the corporations?
The answer to “just because we can, does that mean we should?” is probably depends.
When making your decision in the future, pay attention to whether or not you are making it from a place of abundance or scarcity, especially when it’s financially motivated.
There is a point where financial responsibility becomes frugality, and if you view money from an energy perspective, being a good steward of it will keep money flowing to and through you. And sometimes, being a good steward of money is paying more for something because of the overall impact of your use of money. In the future, I’ll be able to hire a robot to clean my house, which will save me money over the long term–more money in the bank, in investments, or somewhere else just sitting and growing. Or, I can continue to have the local housekeeper who employs other women in our community and spend more money over time.
In this situation, I believe it’s better not to use technology and continue to support families in my community. I think that, in doing so, money will continue to flow to me so I can continue to help it flow in a responsible and impactful way.
Should we do things just because we can?
Sometimes yes.
Sometimes no.
I’m concerned the consensus will default to yes, and it will result in some uncomfortable periods due to unintended consequences.
See you tomorrow and keep pursuing,
JC
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