AI's Impact on Jobs in a Capitalist World

Red
Oct 30, 2023
5 min read

Updated: Oct 1, 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an increasingly prominent part of our daily lives over the last two years. It has evolved from being a mere recreational tool to a powerful one, which has sparked debates, particularly on its use in a capitalist society. One major concern is the replacement of human jobs with AI technology. As such, this blog aims not to create panic but to highlight that while AI may not take over humanity, some humans are utilizing it to make other people's lives worse under a predatory capitalist system.

PHOTO CREDIT: Image by Stefan Keller from Pixabay

The Ideal vs. the Reality

In an ideal world, individuals would have the freedom to pursue their passions without the need for traditional employment. A world where automation and AI take on the burdensome, repetitive tasks of the workforce, making it easier for people to focus on their dreams and creative pursuits without worrying about their jobs. Such a scenario aligns with the higher levels of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, where self-actualization and personal fulfillment become the primary focus [1].

In today's world, the ability to work and earn a living is a necessary component of survival. Unfortunately, our current economic system is already fraught with challenges, and the situation is only worsening over time. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is now adding another layer of complexity to this already oppressive system. As more and more jobs become automated, it is the lowest-paid and most financially vulnerable workers who are being hit the hardest. The displacement of jobs due to AI is exacerbating an already difficult situation for these workers, and we must address this issue urgently to ensure that those most in need are not left behind.

AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a powerful tool designed to assist and enhance human capabilities, rather than replace them. Unfortunately, the introduction of AI in the workforce has resulted in companies opting to replace human workers with machines that are faster and cheaper to operate. This is particularly concerning, given that many human workers are already underpaid and struggling to make ends meet. While AI and automation can streamline processes and increase productivity, the complete replacement of human workers with AI for economic reasons raises ethical concerns and moves us closer to a dystopian society driven by ruthless capitalism.

Relying solely on AI for certain tasks can lead to a deterioration in the quality of the output. Although AI technology is exceptional in specific areas, it is limited in its ability for critical thinking, abstract reasoning, and creativity - where humans excel. Therefore, companies that prioritize profits over the welfare of their workforce may be sacrificing product and service quality. Companies need to recognize that AI should be viewed as a tool that complements and aids human abilities, rather than a replacement for them.

Actor’s concerns:

Recent events, such as the Hollywood writers' strike and ongoing SAG-AFTRA strikes, serve as vivid reminders of the real threat that AI poses to employment. In a previous article [2], we discussed the impact of AI on the entertainment industry. To better understand this issue, we need to focus on two aspects that revolve around the same problem.

Firstly, AI is being used to create poorly created background actors in movies and TV shows. For example, in the Disney Plus film "Prom Pact," CGI-generated actors were used as background extras during a basketball game [3]. This creates a real threat to employment as the largest percentage of actors in a movie are background actors.

Secondly, AI is being used to bring old actors back to life in projects that they did not agree to personally. Additionally, many actors are now required to sign contracts that give studios ownership of their faces, voices, and other aspects of their likeness, which can be used in any project the studio sees fit [4][5]. To us, this almost feels like actors are “selling their souls” to the studios. These practices raise ethical questions about consent and the use of personal identity in the entertainment industry.

Capitalism and Unregulated AI

The concern about AI in the labor market is not about a dystopian future where robots take over the world. Instead, it is about a dystopian future where AI is used by some individuals and organizations to replace human workers in the pursuit of cost-effectiveness at any cost. The use of AI in this manner reduces employees to replaceable assets in the workplace, which is a worrying trend that demands attention and consideration. The issue of AI in the labor market highlights two interconnected problems. The first is the inherent flaws in our current capitalist system that prioritizes profits over the well-being of workers, and just general societal well-being. The second problem is the lack of regulation in AI, particularly in the workplace.

Moreover, the impact of AI on the labor market is a contentious issue that requires more detailed discussion. Sticking to examples in the entertainment industry, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) was able to negotiate a deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to ensure that scripts are written by human beings and not AI. However, this was only achieved after a strike that brought the industry to a halt. This serves as a potent example of the need for collective action and regulation to address the growing concern of job displacement by AI. This might seem trivial but it's a massive win for everyone.

It is crucial to acknowledge that corporations won't voluntarily refrain from using AI in immoral and unethical ways unless there are government regulations in place. This is because they have no incentive to do so, and it will only cost them money. However, these regulations can only be effective if they are enforced by countries or larger bodies, such as the EU. There is a pressing need for more detailed regulations on the usage of AI in the labor market. While AI can provide efficiency and convenience, it should not replace human workers or devalue their work. The conversation on AI in the labor market should focus on ensuring the ethical and fair use of AI. The goal should be to complement human labor rather than replace it.

Conclusion

The integration of AI into society has been a topic of discussion for several years. There is no doubt that AI can be used to make our day-to-day lives more manageable. However, the use of AI in an unregulated and predatory capitalist system is a cause for concern. Although AI has the potential to enhance efficiency and innovation, its unregulated use has resulted in the displacement of workers, particularly those who are already economically vulnerable. The ones responsible for this displacement have shown no concern for the welfare of the workers.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) case is an example of how collective action can lead to regulations that safeguard certain job roles from AI encroachment. However, it also highlights the lack of care and empathy shown by the studios towards the workers who are impacted by AI.

The broader concerns about AI-driven job displacement and the ethical implications of AI replacing humans in the workplace are issues that need careful attention and intervention. The negative impact of AI on workers in a capitalist system cannot be ignored. Until the capitalist system changes, regulations that ensure the quality of work and welfare of employees are essential steps in mitigating the negative impact of AI. It is necessary to implement these regulations to ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly to prevent further harm to workers.

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