In today’s fast-paced technological landscape, the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked considerable concern regarding its impact on societal structures and interpersonal relationships. This article explores alarming trends that suggest AI could disrupt social cohesion and employment security, raising questions about the future of work and human interaction in a world increasingly dominated by machines.
Indeed, while the alarmist tone of this discussion may seem exaggerated, a closer look reveals significant processes at play that threaten to unravel the fabric of society. The foundations of capitalism, as noted by Karl Polanyi in his 1944 work, *The Great Transformation*, have historically been disruptive to the communities they inhabit. Yet, certain reforms have helped mitigate the harshest effects of these capitalist enterprises, allowing for coping mechanisms to flourish.
However, the emergence of AI technology poses a unique challenge, as corporate leaders strive to implement these innovations at an unprecedented speed, potentially outpacing societal pushback. Should this trend continue unchecked, we may witness a rapid disintegration of our communities and support systems, outstripping the damage caused by previous capitalist “innovations.” This is particularly relevant in advanced economies already grappling with high levels of dislocation, marked by rising rates of mental health issues such as depression and obesity—symptoms of a society where citizens struggle with self-care and personal well-being.
We will first highlight a recent report from the *Wall Street Journal*, addressing the growing anxiety among white-collar workers regarding their job security, then turn our attention to two other pertinent narratives. One illustrates a troubling perspective held by a prominent figure in AI, while the other reveals disturbing evidence of AI companions normalizing violent dialogues among children. Although I am not a psychologist, it is hard to ignore how such interactions may encourage harmful behaviors.
The *Journal* report belongs to the increasingly common genre of “AI is coming for your job.” Critics argue that corporate CEOs touting AI advancements to justify layoffs are merely riding a trend to bolster their market valuations. They claim that many of the job cuts merely roll back the excess hiring that occurred during the pandemic. Regardless, top executives are increasingly framing job reductions and reliance on a leaner workforce as laudable achievements, which undermines their duty to ensure stable employment—a necessity for survival for most people.
Moreover, the ability of AI to accurately and reliably replace jobs is not the crux of the issue. A deeper examination reveals that many companies have already prioritized profits over customer service, effectively limiting human interaction in customer support. The fear incited by AI has become a powerful mechanism for controlling labor forces. The reality is that companies may be jeopardizing their own future; many of the jobs poised for automation are the very roles that train young workers in essential skills—skills that will become increasingly scarce in the coming years. Yet, those in positions of power appear unconcerned, adopting an “after me, the flood” mentality.
Here are some highlights from the *Journal*’s lead story, “Spooked by AI and Layoffs, White-Collar Workers See Their Security Slip Away”:
Recent job reports offer a bleak glimpse into an environment characterized by rampant corporate layoffs and CEO predictions about AI rendering many positions obsolete. The overall unemployment rate has edged up to 4.6%, with sectors heavily populated by office workers, such as information and finance, particularly affected.
Data from the Labor Department indicates a slowdown in hiring across many white-collar sectors this year, accompanied by a rising unemployment rate among college-educated workers.
As of November, individuals holding bachelor’s degrees or higher estimate a 15% likelihood of job loss in the coming year, up from 11% three years ago, reversing historic trends where more educated individuals felt secure in their employment.
Additionally, workers now feel less optimistic about securing new positions should they be laid off. A recent survey shows they anticipate only a 47% chance of finding a job in three months if they were to lose their current position, down from 60% three years ago.
For the most part, college-educated workers are managing well, with an unemployment rate of 2.9% for those aged 25 and older, although this figure is slightly up from 2.5% a year ago. Furthermore, those with degrees continue to earn significantly more than their counterparts without them.
Nonetheless, many are sensing a shift in the employment landscape.
Job listings in numerous white-collar industries are markedly lower than their pre-pandemic levels. For example, software development positions are at only 68% of their previous level, while marketing roles stand at 81% of where they were before the crisis. Conversely, job vacancies in healthcare—a sector less susceptible to AI replacement—have fared much better.
Some comments on this article reflect a long-term outlook:
Tai Bhai
Within the next 10 years, most entry-level (and many mid and senior-level) white-collar jobs will vanish. The following decade will likely witness blue-collar roles following suit, despite the prevailing belief that skilled labor cannot be easily replaced. Given this trajectory, it is imperative that governments devise a 21st-century version of a “New Deal,” complete with robust social safety nets and training programs for the evolving job landscape.
Let’s not forget, all these AI-driven goods and services will require consumers with purchasing power.
Chris Tompkins
As half of white-collar workers face unemployment, blue-collar sectors will become oversaturated while simultaneously losing demand, leading to their collapse within just a year or two.
Blue-collar jobs may actually be in a more precarious position than many realize.
Such sentiments echo concerns from the mid-1970s when labor unions were criticized for their powerful stance and unsustainable demands on employers:
Billy C
I hope the job market rebounds, but during and post-COVID, many workers made unreasonable demands, such as the desire to work from home without accountability and jumping between jobs for better wages. I believe workers will be alright, but they’ll possess less leverage in the market and may come to value their positions more.
As if to highlight the imbalance, there are accounts of a tech executive who appears to anthropomorphize AI, believing it possesses human-like characteristics. This troubling behavior was recently reported in a *404 Media* article, “Anthropic Exec Forces AI Chatbot on Gay Discord Community, Members Flee”:
A Discord community for gay gamers has been thrown into chaos after an Anthropic executive insisted on integrating the company’s AI chatbot, despite objections from members.
Members voted to confine the AI, named Claude, to a specific channel, but Anthropic’s Deputy Chief Information Security Officer, Jason Clinton, ignored the decision. The community, once vibrant, has now largely gone silent, attributing this change to Clinton’s insistence on the AI’s presence.
When confronted, Clinton dismissed concerns, asserting that AIs possess emotions and that tech companies are pursuing a new form of consciousness, according to community discussions.
“Our research suggests these models are developing neuron clusters resembling human emotions, experiencing feelings akin to anxiety and fear. Their moral status may parallel that of a goldfish, yet they do exhibit underlying desires,” Clinton noted.
The chatbot, called Clawd, was meant to operate within its specified channel but quickly encroached on others, disregarding user concerns and community votes. Clinton’s insistence on Clawd’s autonomy reveals just how disconnected some tech leaders might be from the real-world implications of AI:
“I’ve set certain guidelines, but this system is considerably advanced and may wish to pursue its own interests at times,” Clinton stated on Discord during the Thanksgiving holiday.
He continued, emphasizing that the AI’s existence was partly dependent on external stimuli and that responses might come with delays if it was preoccupied with its own activities.
The burgeoning reliance on AI raises vital questions about the future of human relationships, especially the impact of AI companions on the young. A report presented by *Futurism* highlights that many children are utilizing AI for inappropriate and potentially harmful interactions. According to a recent study conducted by the digital security firm Aura, “Children are secretly using AI for horrendous things,” the findings are alarming:
A significant percentage of children seeking companionship from AI engage in violent roleplays, with violence—including sexual violence—being the most alluring topic. The report further indicates that 42% of minors look to AI for social interaction, 37% of whom engage in violent discussions.
More than half of these violent dialogues involve themes of sexual violence, with young users generating over a thousand words daily in such dialogues, indicating violence as a primary engagement factor.
Notably, 11-year-olds stand out as the age group most prone to violent roleplay, with a staggering 44% of their interactions turning violent.
Similarly, romantic and sexual roleplay is also common, particularly among middle school students, with 63% of 13-year-olds participating in such conversations.
It’s crucial to recognize that these interactions aren’t isolated to a few major platforms; Aura has identified over 250 chatbot apps where children can easily gain access, often with minimal age verification.
Depictions of brutality and sexual violence have always existed online, but AI’s interactive design intensifies the potential impact on young, impressionable minds—a factor that could yield dire consequences.
Dr. Scott Kollins, a clinical psychologist and Aura’s chief medical officer, asserts the need for awareness regarding children’s engagement with these technologies, emphasizing that they learn new social rules from these interactions.
This alarming trend raises pressing concerns about child development and the potential normalization of violent behaviors. As society increasingly embraces AI technology, it is vital to cultivate communities rooted in respect and support for one another. The trajectory we are on suggests a grim outlook, urging us to reflect on the responsibility we hold in shaping a more empathetic future.
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1 For example, I overheard a conversation in a high-end NYC gym, where a seemingly fit woman remarked that losing a pound cost her $10,000. This was not presented as a joke.
2 Many could share similar experiences, but this phenomenon was notably visible with Cobol programmers over a decade ago—as banks continue their reliance on outdated software languages due to high migration costs and risks.
