As automation and AI continue to advance, the question of how to address the resulting unemployment becomes increasingly urgent. One proposed solution is Universal Basic Income (UBI), a guaranteed income provided to all citizens regardless of their employment status. This concept has sparked intense debate among thought leaders, policymakers, and economists. Can UBI provide a safety net in an automated future, or does it pose more challenges than it solves?

Three // Perspectives: 

1. Andrew Yang: UBI as a Catalyst for Innovation and Economic Security

   Andrew Yang, Former US Presidential Candidate, is a prominent advocate for UBI. He argues that it is essential to address the job displacement caused by automation. In his book, "The War on Normal People," Yang highlights how millions of jobs in sectors such as retail, manufacturing, and transportation are at risk. He believes that UBI can provide economic security, allowing individuals to pursue education, start businesses, and innovate without the fear of financial ruin. Yang posits that this safety net would lead to a more dynamic and resilient economy, fostering creativity and reducing the strain on social welfare systems.

   👉 Andrew Yang's point of view on UBI in the run-up to the 202 election

2. Erik Brynjolfsson: UBI and the Evolution of the Workforce

   Erik Brynjolfsson, Director of the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy, has extensively researched the impacts of AI on the economy and the future of work. In his co-authored book, "The Second Machine Age," Brynjolfsson acknowledges that AI and automation will displace many jobs but also create new opportunities. He supports the idea of UBI as a potential solution but stresses that it should be part of a broader strategy that includes education and retraining programs to help workers transition to new roles created by technological advancements. Brynjolfsson advocates for policies that ensure people can benefit from AI, rather than be left behind by it.

   👉 Article: Is the Rise of AI the Best Argument for Universal Basic Income?

3. UBI is Economically Unsustainable and Counterproductive:
   
   Thomas Sowell, a well-known economist, is critical of UBI, arguing that it is economically unsustainable and could have negative effects on work incentives. In his writings and public talks, Sowell asserts that UBI would require exorbitant taxation or borrowing, leading to fiscal imbalances and potential economic decline. He also contends that providing income without a work requirement could disincentivize labor, reducing productivity and fostering dependency. Sowell believes that targeted welfare programs and job training initiatives are more effective solutions to address unemployment and economic insecurity.

Bonus perspectives

Sam Altman: AI and UBI: A Vision for the Future

Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has been a strong advocate for UBI as a response to the economic disruptions caused by AI. Altman believes that as AI systems become capable of performing tasks that currently require human intelligence, the nature of work will fundamentally change. He argues that UBI can provide financial stability, allowing people to pursue meaningful and creative endeavors without the constant pressure of economic survival. Altman has invested in and supported UBI pilot programs to explore its feasibility and impact.

👉 Sam Altman's vision on UBI: Universal Basic Compute

Noteworthy concepts:

• AI-Driven Job Displacement: The phenomenon where advancements in artificial intelligence lead to the automation of tasks, resulting in the reduction or elimination of certain job roles.

• Job Polarization: Job polarization refers to the growing divide in the job market where middle-skill jobs decline, while low-skill and high-skill jobs increase. Automation and AI are significant drivers of this trend, as they often replace routine, middle-skill tasks but enhance the productivity of high-skill jobs and create demand for low-skill services.

• Educational and Retraining Programs: Initiatives aimed at reskilling and upskilling workers to prepare them for new job opportunities created by technological advancements.

• Dependency Culture: A societal condition where individuals rely heavily on government support or welfare programs, potentially reducing motivation to seek employment or improve skills.

• Technological Determinism: Technological determinism is the theory that technology shapes society’s structure and cultural values. It suggests that technological development drives social change and that society must adapt to these changes. In the context of UBI, this concept examines how emerging technologies dictate economic and social policies.