As Artificial Intelligence Fuels Unemployment Fears, UBI Debates Intensify

Alarming Warnings from Tech Leaders

While advancements in artificial intelligence carry the potential to fundamentally transform economic and social structures, statements from leading figures in the industry are heightening concerns. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei stated that AI could become a "general substitute for human labor." OpenAI CEO Sam Altman proposed the idea of "universal extreme wealth for everyone" that could be unlocked by AI. Elon Musk also spoke of a future scenario where probably no one will have a job, but there will be "universal high income."

Research Points to Job Losses

Alongside these statements from tech visionaries, financial analyses also provide concrete data. According to an analysis by research firm Forrester, AI could eliminate six percent of all jobs in the US by 2030. A report from the US Senate warns that the AI industry could destroy 100 million US jobs within the next decade. Investor Howard Marks interpreted this situation as "the consequences for employment are frightening," while Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski expressed similar concerns.

Could Universal Basic Income (UBI) Be a Solution?

In response to this threat created by AI automation, a proposal gaining support from both the left and right wings of the political spectrum is emerging: Universal Basic Income (UBI). In the UK, a generous subsidy program was proposed to provide approximately $2,200 per month to thirty people to examine the social effects of "free money." In Ireland, a UBI program providing $380 per week to artists was made permanent after a successful three-year pilot. Artist Elinor O'Donovan, a beneficiary of the program, stated that the security increased her well-being and allowed her to dedicate more time to her art.

However, it is noteworthy that those most vocal about this proposed solution are the tech billionaires who say AI systems will eliminate everyone's jobs. Critics argue that instead of proposing to slow down AI development or ensure democratic ownership of the future they are creating, these CEOs are suggesting a monthly check, which could amount to "hush money" for a future they are building without our consent.

Where is the Real Danger?

According to some economists, such a dystopia remains a fantasy for now because current AI systems are far from producing the financial returns that would upend the capitalist labor market. It is claimed that the real danger is not AI taking jobs, but rather a bubble inflated by massive spending on AI infrastructure that suppresses wages while enriching investors. In this case, it is suggested that the real "villains" are not AI chatbots, but venture capitalists, Wall Street brokers, and tech moguls who are driving the economy towards collapse in pursuit of quick profits.

It is stated that UBI cannot answer this fundamental question: Who will own the wealth created by AI, and who will decide how it is distributed? Debates on this issue continue to deepen, along with the real dynamics behind layoffs.