[frm88]

I'm mostly with you. The challenge in societal and economic change this time around will come much faster than the last time(s). If we (= our politicans) don't get a grip on the downsides of technological development, from reigning in social media and ads to distributing wealth and opportunity more equally I fear we will see a lot of violence and high chances we end up in a world like Bladerunner (1982). It's not so much about AI, but about the acceleration and polarisation of the downstream effects of technology that carry the seed of revolution and even violent revolution. That said, we can still start to turn the ship, but I don't see it. Global politics has all the hallmarks of preserving the status quo, preferably with personal enrichment, consequences be damned. So, into politics you go, fight for change and hope that you'll make it just in enough time to ward off the worst.

Anecdotal side remark. Yesterday, while cooking, I saw a NYT interview on YT with Tucker Carlson and he - of all the people - came to the same conclusion, albeit from different premises which did nothing to soothe my worries. If people like him see economical divide as a possible precursor for a revolution things have taken a turn for the worse.