Talking About a Revolution

“Tech industry leaders have been warning for several years that as A.I. grows more powerful, it could quickly take over a large share of human work, leading to widespread joblessness. Economists have tended to greet those predictions with skepticism, noting that technological changes tend to play out more gradually than predicted by industry boosters. Some economists, however, have grown concerned that A.I. is spreading through the economy more quickly and more broadly than past technologies, and that their profession is downplaying the risks. The statement on Monday is the latest sign that such concerns are becoming more widespread. It warns that the effects of A.I. could be ‘larger than the Industrial Revolution, but unfolding over a vastly shorter time frame.'” Nearly 200 Economists and Tech Leaders Warn of A.I. Threats. “A letter calls for policymakers to do more to understand and respond to potential disruptions from artificial intelligence.” (Is that a good idea? In normal times, yes. But these days, it depends on which policymakers we’re talking about…)