The Technological Singularity

by Murray Shanahan

Alternatively, we might see a more equitable society, one in which education of the highest quality is afforded to everyone and creativity is universally promoted and duly rewarded. If a system could be instituted in which leisure activities that have social value also had monetary value, then the distinction between paid work and leisure would break down. For example, the writer and information technology critic Jaron Lanier has proposed a system of micropayments whereby every item of data or digital content that an individual produces would generate income for that individual each time it is consumed.6 Perhaps this, or some similar arrangement, could facilitate a more even distribution of power, wealth, and resources. Perhaps it could also stimulate an era of unprecedented cultural expression in which people are no longer tied down by the need to work but are free to pursue art, music, literature, or whatever takes their fancy. But to bring this about might require considerable social and political will. The self-perpetuating tendency for power, wealth, and resources to concentrate in the hands of a few is a historical invariant. In this respect nothing is likely to change in an era of disruptive specialized AI technology. Control of the means of production—in this case the AI technology—will most likely remain in the hands of a small number of powerful corporations and individuals. It would be no surprise if, at the same time, popular culture is pushed to the lowest com...