The Slow Burn of AI: Jobs and Culture Under Threat, Says Peter Lewis

In an opinion piece titled “AI is not a one-time bomb, but a slow burn of devastation that is consuming jobs and culture,” Peter Lewis highlights the increasing threat that artificial intelligence poses to both employment and cultural production. Lewis argues that AI is not a singular event with immediate consequences, but rather a gradual process that is impacting various industries and creative fields. From Hollywood strikers fighting against the use of AI in creating films to the emerging automated culture wars, the implications of AI on jobs and creativity are becoming more apparent. This article delves into the ongoing debate surrounding AI and its potential risks and benefits.

The Slow Burn of AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is not a one-time bomb set to explode, but rather a slow burn that is gradually consuming jobs and culture, warns Peter Lewis, executive director of Essential. In a comprehensive article, Lewis delves into the evolving fight over AI in Western culture, the devastating impact of AI on jobs, growing concerns, and the need for regulation. Lewis emphasizes the outdated privacy laws and the necessity for reform, while examining AI as an ongoing threat.

The Fight Over Artificial Intelligence in Western Culture

In Western culture, the fight over artificial intelligence has escalated to the point where Hollywood screenwriters and actors are demanding recognition for their work. As digital streaming continues to impact wages, conditions, and careers, these industry professionals insist that studio bosses acknowledge the distinction between the work of human creators and that generated by machines. Acclaimed director Christopher Nolan draws parallels between his film “Oppenheimer” and the dangers of unleashing AI without thoughtful consideration. He cautions against portraying AI as all-powerful, as it may absolve individuals of responsibility for their actions.

Automated Culture Wars are also on the rise, specifically concerning AI-generated music and literature. Algorithms are now capable of distilling existing cultural canon into creations that rival or surpass the work of humans. However, Australians hold mixed comfort levels with these advancements, as revealed in the Guardian Essential Report. While visual art generated by AI is generally accepted, concerns arise when it comes to music, scripts, novels, and automated news reporting. Interestingly, there is a generational divide on the matter, with younger respondents being less disquieted by the automation of culture. Regardless, there is a consensus across age groups that any AI-generated content should be clearly labeled as such.

The Devastating Impact of AI on Jobs

One of the significant consequences of the rise of AI is the displacement of workers across various industries. AI systems have observed, measured, and replicated countless processes, resulting in the loss of control over the products of labor for many workers. Whether it be film scripts or automated checkouts, AI relentlessly capitalizes on the labor of real people, leaving them with no reward or say in the output. Despite the potential benefits of AI, such as energy efficiency, improved healthcare, and increased accessibility, the risks associated with this technology should not be overlooked.

Growing Concerns and Calls for Regulation

CEO Sam Altman of Chat GTP, an AI technology company, has expressed his fears about AI and believes that society has limited time to figure out how to handle it. His concerns are echoed by a significant number of Australians, leading the Albanese government to initiate a review on AI regulation. While their approach to regulation reflects the optimism of the tech industry, experts argue that it is crucial to update privacy laws as a starting point, given that personal information fuels AI systems. However, Australia’s privacy laws, outdated for nearly four decades, were designed for an analogue world and are ill-equipped to regulate AI and its potentially invasive capabilities. Previous attempts at privacy reform have faced media backlash, with the media advocating for their right to operate without legal consequences. Nevertheless, public support for stronger baseline rules on data collection and privacy is strong across partisan lines.

Outdated Privacy Laws and the Need for Reform

Privacy laws in Australia were established in response to the horrors of the Holocaust, with the intention of preventing the collection of personal information for dehumanizing purposes. However, these laws have not been updated to address the challenges posed by the digital age and the rise of surveillance capitalism. Attempts at privacy reform have faced resistance, primarily driven by concerns from Big Tech and Big Media, who seek to maintain the status quo. Despite this resistance, the public widely supports tighter regulations on data collection, reflecting a desire for privacy protection in the digital era.

Examining AI as a Slow Burn

AI is not a singular event or bomb waiting to explode but rather a continuous threat to jobs and culture. Friedrich Hayek, an Austrian economist, may provide a suitable lens through which to understand this phenomenon. Hayek’s ideology of self-serving systems replacing people aligns with the impending corporate push to automate culture. As the Hollywood strikers demonstrate, workers must have a say in shaping their jobs to ensure fair treatment and control over their work. It is essential for citizens to stand in solidarity with workers to safeguard their interests.

About Peter Lewis

Peter Lewis is the executive director of Essential and hosts the technology podcast, Burning Platforms. With his expertise and insights, Lewis provides valuable commentary on the impact of AI on jobs and culture.

In conclusion, Peter Lewis highlights the slow burn of AI as a pervasive force that threatens jobs and culture. From the fight over AI in Western culture to the displacement of workers, and the growing concerns and calls for regulation, Lewis emphasizes the need for reform in outdated privacy laws. As AI continues to shape the future, it is crucial to consider the implications and encourage proactive measures to mitigate risks and safeguard workers’ voices in shaping jobs and culture.