For the last few years, we’ve been told robots are going to take our jobs… our livelihoods… our identities… and even our spouses.
(Though I’m sure we all wouldn’t mind that sometimes.)
And yet, it hasn’t happened.
While useful, the tech feels like it has reached a ceiling at the moment; a ceiling I don’t see them smashing through anytime soon.
We were also told that AI taking our jobs would be a “good thing.” That it would make us “happier” as it meant we could “pursue hobbies” while Universal Basic Income (a state-issued salary) kept our pantries full every month.
Sounds ideal, right?
Well, I call bullshit on that one.
Not only because I don’t trust governments as far as I can throw them, but because of something deeper:
Our need to be good at something.
That feeling — of competence, of progress, of improvement — it’s almost an innate human desire. And bonus points if your craft takes a lifetime to master.
Yes, you can achieve this through hobbies, but more often than not, that itch is scratched at a workplace.
Or in my case, the writer’s corner.
So as long as mad scientists don’t genetically cut that strand out from our DNA, I cannot see AI (even when it shatters its current limitations) ever replacing our jobs.
Another factor to consider:
We’re social creatures (yes, even a crotchety old git like me).
We (mostly) want to do business with people — not robots.
Especially those we like.
That’s why I show up in your inbox Monday to Friday. Yes, I love to hear myself type, but this is first and foremost a customer relationship tool; the medium I choose to establish and deepen bonds with my tribe.
Can AI do that?
Not yet, at least.
I’m not saying robots aren’t useful, nor that they won’t replace dull, repetitive, and monotonous roles, but so long as you and I have a pulse, a desire to do good work, and to do business with PEOPLE, I don’t see a world where we’re all full-time hobbyists living off a meagre state-funded salary.
And if we do?
Well, I guess I’ll see you at the next Alcoholics Anonymous gathering.
Until then, I’m going to continue writing these emails and entertaining you with my stories.
Stories you can shop for here:
https://www.djjwatsonstore.com
DJJW