Drew HarwellFeb 16, 2023
The robots aren't taking over. They're not falling in love. They're not feeling. They don't want to be alive. They're not evil masterminds. They create word patterns based off text on the internet. Is what journalists should be saying, not gee-whiz sci-fi LARPing about fancy autocorrect.
Show threadSnerk RabbledauberFeb 16, 2023

@drewharwell

I think we should be talking about who they will be doing all of our jobs for. Who is going to benefit from offloading all of our work onto them. As things stand now, it is not going to be us.

Show threadPaul QuirkFeb 16, 2023
@SnerkRabbledauber @drewharwell it could be, though. As long as we support open source and open standards, the fruits of the technology will belong to all of us.
Show threadSnerk RabbledauberFeb 16, 2023

@quirk @drewharwell

They could, yes. But it will take more than just supporting open source and open standards. We need to re-think our whole economic model. The focus needs to be changed over to benefiting all of us.

It probably sounds like I'm suggesting communism, but I honestly don't think that is the answer. But neither is unfettered capitalism. Undoubtedly we will use elements of both, but something new is needed.

Show threadPaul QuirkFeb 16, 2023
@SnerkRabbledauber @drewharwell a good place to start is understanding you cannot take on the system directly, nor should you want to. Look at cultures like the Amish and the Mennonites and observe how they are able to exist and thrive in our democracy regardless of whatever party is elected. So we learn to take only what we need, and leave the rest. We understand how unhealthy the current system is to people, so lead by example, and people will see your way is better and will want to follow.
Show threadSnerk RabbledauberFeb 16, 2023

@quirk @drewharwell

I'm not even concerned with methods to achieve it yet. I'm still trying to get a good idea of where we need to get to.

The only thought I know of that was given to a future where labor is no longer required to meet basic needs is the Star Trek Universe. But that is not at all fleshed out.

Show threadPaul Quirk
@SnerkRabbledauber @drewharwell a big part of the reason why we have the system we have is because we keep feeding the system we have. Each of us need to be the change we want to see. A Star Trek utopia is impossible since tradespeople and labourers will still be needed to build out infrastructure, but to demonstrate the benefits of a 30 hour work week and the transitioning away from a lifestyle where money is central to one where money is just another tool is the correct step to take.
Feb 16, 2023 at 6:52pmMastodon for Android