Why We Fear a World Without Work: The AI Employment Dilemma

Debating Society's Fear of Artificial Intelligence

According to ХВИЛЯ: Economist Viktor Korenivsky, in a discussion with political scientist Yuriy Romanenko, explored the public's deep-seated anxiety about AI taking jobs. He traced this widespread panic to an enduring economic myth rooted in the 18th-century ideas of Adam Smith, the father of modern economics. Korenivsky argued that society is trapped in a psychological framework established by Smith, which makes it difficult to perceive new technologies without fear.

The economist pointed out that while artificial intelligence is poised to take over most routine tasks, human apprehension about change remains intense.

“We are essentially at a point where a new technological paradigm is emerging-artificial intelligence is arriving-and yet we, even as individuals, are already afraid: what will we do? A person must work,” stated Viktor Korenivsky.

He emphasized that our very conception of work remains extremely narrow, noting that

“in all our conceptions, a person must work physically, or even if engaged in some intellectual activity, working with the mind-it's simply some repetitive things.”

Korenivsky called for a fundamental re-evaluation of work's value in the age of rapid technological and AI advancement. This issue is becoming increasingly urgent in the modern world, where traditional notions of labor risk becoming obsolete.

Adapting to New Technological Realities

Viktor Korenivsky's discussion underscores the critical need for society to adapt to new technological realities. Fears about job loss due to AI development may signal a necessary shift in how we perceive the role of work in human life. This conversation is particularly relevant in Western economies also grappling with automation's impact.

• New technologies may displace certain types of activity.
• They also create opportunities for developing new professions and forms of employment that meet modern demands.