Where are we all going to work?
 

Banks and other retail outlets going self service. More stuff done online - banking, couses, shopping etc. Smart devices which look after themselves and report back to HQ. Artificial intelligence and so it goes on. At what point is somebody somewhere going to say enough's enough? Is it progress to make humans largely redundant save for a proportion whose jobs can't be automated (yet anyway)? If UK PLC we can't pay for the existing pensions/welfare obligations and we're all being told we can't retire when we thought we could, how's it going to be done when increasing numbers of us don't have jobs, let alone the ability to retire?

:shrug:

Re: Where are we all going to work?
 

We're going to have to capture some of the economic benefit of automatisation so that it's shared out rather than all going to Google/Apple/Microsoft/Uber. Some things that were previously expensive such as transport can likely be dramatically made cheaper, maybe even provided for free.

Also we might find new industries emerge from this process just as has happened in the past. Especially when it comes to creative industries which at the moment at least seem immune from both AI advances. I would argue the usefulness of humans doesn't lie in our ability to perform repetitive tasks anyway.

Re: Where are we all going to work?
 

A large number will end up as Carers, not in OAP homes but in our own homes. Social Engineering has been going on, and is being tweaked by things like The Bedroom Tax, changes to Housing Benefits to the under-35's, Child Benefits only for the first 2 kids, closing council-run OAP homes, etc. Homes will become multi-generational, with the youngest looking after the eldest at minimum cost to the taxpayers. Any shortfalls in manning will be filled by the unemployed getting Benefits in exchange for social work.

Re: Where are we all going to work?
 

We can argue about what's useful but there going to be an awful lot of people with increasingly fewer options for jobs let alone what used to be called careers. Creative industries depend on people wanting and being able to afford what they produce. When push comes to shove, many of them will be amongst the first to suffer I'd have thought.

I'm really just wondering if, in the rush for 'progress', anyone at HQ is thinking much about the ramifications of where we're heading. If they are they're keeping it quiet but I'm always happy to be educated.

---------- Post added at 14:25 ---------- Previous post was at 14:22 ----------

I fear you're right. More and more people will be 'forced' to have 'jobs' caring for other people whether wholly or partially. Then we'll need more people to care for all the carers who can no longer care for themselves let alone anyone else. It's not an especially bright prospect is it.

Re: Where are we all going to work?
 

i think at some point the adults will have to step up like they did with brexit and end the madness ,the kids will whine like hell it's what they do but they have to be saved from their own stupidity :devsmoke:

Re: Where are we all going to work?
 

It's just people rushing to take advantage of developing technology. It's not really an act of design or something that we can stop.

There might be a lot of job losses but the government should start considering solutions to that now and see how automation can benefit society and how we'll spread out wealth generated from machines. Universal Basic Income might be a solution here.

You might be interested in this video which talks about this issue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Pq-S557XQU

Re: Where are we all going to work?
 

Well we used to manufacture stuff, but Mrs T put an end to all that, bless her cotton socks.

Anyway you worry too much, try some St Johns Wort.

Re: Where are we all going to work?
 

That's exactly what a lot of it is but governments are supposed to look to the long term as well as the short. It's asking a lot of our politicians I know but if they're not doing it who is and at what point have things gone too far.

Re: Where are we all going to work?
 

What can the government do though? Even if they somehow stopped such things here they would fall behind rival countries who would reap the benefits of automation. It's asking them to turn back the tide. The time would be better spent getting them to prepare for what is coming.

Re: Where are we all going to work?
 

My business cannot be automated, as it involves taking apart airplane parts, from wheels, langing gear & generators, down to dials in the cockpit.

Re: Where are we all going to work?
 

Well they could acknowledge the problem for a start and maybe ask us and even start talking to eachother. They could also do what you're suggesting but are they even doing that? :shrug:

This will affect every country in one way or another and if our planet isn't going to be reduced to a giant ants nest someone's going to need to get a grip. Of course if you and yours happen to be among those who'll still be at the top of the food chain maybe you don't care much.

Re: Where are we all going to work?
 

there will be some odious little weasel out there planning and scheming to mechanise your job and do away with the needs paying element ie you .

Re: Where are we all going to work?
 

Well it's not imminent but in the not too distant future, us 'worker ants' won't need mass air transport. We won't be going far when we're reliant on a state 'wage' which I'll bet won't be generous. :erm:

Re: Where are we all going to work?
 

I'm more concerned about the idea of automated soldiers..

Re: Where are we all going to work?
 

What about Automated Team Members, like me?

:shocking: :sniper: