As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries and improve productivity, Senator Bernie Sanders sees an opportunity for a profound shift in the way we work.
In a recent appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, Sanders proposed that AI's rise in productivity should be used to reduce the traditional workweek, providing more free time to workers.
"You're a worker, your productivity is increasing because we give you AI, right?" Sanders said. "Instead of throwing you out on the street, I'm going to reduce your workweek to 32 hours."
A 32-Hour Workweek: Sanders' Vision for the Future
Sanders' bold vision includes the introduction of the "Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act," which he first introduced last year.
This bill would require employers to pay overtime for any hours worked beyond a 32-hour workweek, essentially moving toward a four-day workweek.
Sanders argues that with the increase in efficiency brought by AI and automation, workers should not have to continue working 40 hours a week.
"Let's use technology to benefit workers," Sanders said. "That means, give you more time with your family, with your friends, for education, whatever the hell you want to do. You don't have to work 40 hours a week anymore."
While the idea of a 32-hour workweek has gained traction in certain circles, it is still a controversial subject, especially in industries that are heavily impacted by automation and AI.
Sanders’ plan would roll out gradually over four years, giving businesses time to adapt to the changes.
The Dark Side of AI: A Threat to Humanity?
However, Sanders' concerns go beyond just the potential benefits of AI in the workplace. In an interview with NBC News, Sanders warned that the rapid rise of AI also presents significant risks, particularly in the realm of warfare and wealth inequality.
"I think we are not all that far away from the development of robotic soldiers," Sanders remarked.
"Right now, politicians — at least sometimes — have to worry about loss of life when they decide to go to war. If you don’t have to worry about loss of life, and what you worry about is loss of robots, what does that mean for issues of war and peace globally? It’s a big issue."
Sanders expressed concern that if AI leads to the development of autonomous robots for warfare, the stakes of global conflicts could be radically changed.
"If you don’t have to worry about loss of life, and what you worry about is loss of robots, what does that mean for issues of war and peace globally?"
The rise of robotic soldiers could fundamentally alter the morality of war, making it easier for countries to engage in conflict without the same ethical concerns tied to human casualties.
The AI-Driven Wealth Divide
While AI and automation offer new opportunities, Sanders believes they also exacerbate existing wealth inequality.
As the billionaires of Silicon Valley - figures like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg - invest heavily in AI, Sanders fears that these technologies will concentrate wealth and power even further.
"Today, before we have seen the full implications of robotics and AI, you’re looking at unprecedented wealth and income concentration," Sanders said. "The top 1% of Americans own more wealth than the bottom 93%."
Sanders warned that this concentration of wealth could have far-reaching consequences for the economy and democracy.
"All of these zillionaires — the Musks, the Ellisons, the Bezoses, the Zuckerbergs — are investing hundreds and hundreds of billions of dollars into AI and robotics.
What is the result of all that?" With AI allowing these tech moguls to amass even more wealth, Sanders fears that it will lead to a significant erosion of democracy.
"It will mean even more wealth and even more political power for these guys at the top, while our democracy gets weaker and weaker. Working people will see a significant decline in their standard of living unless we turn this around."
The Role of AI in Shaping Future Jobs
Sanders' concerns are not limited to the economic consequences of AI; he is also deeply worried about its potential to disrupt the job market.
Musk and other tech moguls have warned that AI and robotics could soon replace most jobs, making work "optional."
Sanders highlighted the implications of such a shift, stating, "Musk recently said that ‘AI and robots will replace all jobs. Working will be optional.’ But what the hell does that mean if it’s going to replace all jobs?"
This profound change raises questions about the future of work and how individuals will sustain themselves in an AI-driven economy.
Sanders pointed out that there has been little discussion in Congress or in the media about how society will cope with such dramatic job displacement.
"There has been far, far, far too little discussion among the American people, in the media and certainly in Congress about the implications of AI and robotics," Sanders said.