We Must Approach AI Like the Automobile
Briefly

We are standing at the edge of a technological revolution with AI, on a scale not seen since America transitioned from horse-drawn carriages to automobiles in the early 20th century. Like that moment in history, AI is generating both excitement and fear—concerns about job displacement, societal disruption, and ethical dilemmas. To navigate this new frontier, we must look to history, particularly the transition from the horse and buggy to the automobile between 1850 and 1910.
When automobiles emerged, the world faced significant disruption. People feared the loss of jobs tied to horses, stables, and carriages. Yet, the automobile brought about new industries, jobs, and growth. The rise of oil and gas, automotive repair, and road infrastructure transformed society. Despite initial fears, the automobile sparked economic expansion. Today, AI elicits similar fears of job loss.
Automation and AI are reshaping industries and displacing workers. According to McKinsey, up to 375 million workers globally may need to change occupations by 2030. The change we once saw over 50 years is now happening in five or six.
Read at time.com
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