In a recent statement, David Sacks, appointed by Donald Trump as the AI czar, commented on the idea of universal basic income (UBI), calling it impossible in the current economy.
Challenges of Implementing UBI
Sacks pointed out that distributing free money to the public is ultimately unsustainable. His comments emphasize that many view UBI as a fantasy in the context of future economic realities.
Experts' Opinions on the Future of AI
Sacks also expressed that the future of AI has become a 'Rorschach test,' where everyone sees what they want. For instance, he argued that the left side of the political spectrum envisions a world without work where people receive government benefits. Conversely, he stated that the consensus should be that able-bodied citizens should work and that indulging the idea of UBI is unhelpful.
Labor Market Trends
Analyzing labor market dynamics, economist Zanele Munyikwa noted that the share of AI-doable tasks in job postings has declined by 19% over the past three years. This also indicates a reduction in job openings in certain fields where AI can replace humans.
Thus, David Sacks' remarks raise important questions about the future of the economy, the role of AI, and the feasibility of implementing universal basic income. The discussion surrounding these topics continues to be relevant.