Automation in combination with globalization is a very scary phenomenon. Automation and the power of software furthers the power of one individual to have a major impact on the world. Tech startups have the ability to leverage themselves to such a ridiculous point that they are worth billions of dollars even though there are only a few people that work at the company. However, this ability has consequences, especially when combined with automation. There is only a finite amount of wealth in the world, and if so few can have such a large impact, it means less income for everyone else.
Automation is able to increase the efficiency of a company, task, and almost anything else. This means McDonald’s will need less workers, and could have higher margins. This will help the corporate world, but could actually be detrimental to the working class. This means less workers and less people getting a piece of the pie. This could be a very scary proposition for a middle and lower class that has already been squeezed hard by the previous automation starting after WWII.
The middle class is on the decline while the rich are getting richer. I think automation and robotics will only continue this process. Fast food places, many restaurants, and most transportation could easily be automated in the next 20 years. This means millions of Americans could lose their jobs. A large proportion of the US populace could lose their jobs to automation in the next 100 years. This could lead to even larger problems with income inequality and destroy the American dream.
However, I think that new jobs and industries will pop up for the jobs that are taken by automation. In the same way that a hundred years ago we could never expect to have the computer revolution and the internet there will be something new that becomes the new industry. This won’t completely solve income inequality or provide full employment, but it will be a start.
I don’t think the Luddites are right. While innovation and automation will cause some loss of jobs, I think it will be a net positive. The standard of living will increase for most people and while the middle class might become smaller, I think in general the pros outweigh the cons.
I think automation in general is a positive and should be pursued. I think that automation in combination with a social and moral stance to help the poor and those that do not have enough can lead to a better world and be crucial for growth and the betterment of man kind.
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