DAOs, A Canon - Future: When AI Begins to Replace Humans

DAOs, A Canon - Future: When AI Begins to Replace Humans

The future is upon us, and it is one that involves decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). These two concepts might seem unrelated at first glance, but when we delve deeper, we can see the common points and the natural connection between them. In this article, we will explore both DAOs and the impact of AI on the workforce, shedding light on the potential future that awaits us.

DAOs, or decentralized autonomous organizations, are the epitome of the future of community, coordination, work, and much more. They represent a new way of organizing and governing, where decision-making power is distributed among the members of the organization rather than being concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or entities. DAOs utilize blockchain technology to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in their operations.

On the other hand, AI has been making significant strides in recent years, with machines becoming increasingly capable of performing tasks that were once the exclusive domain of humans. AI has the potential to revolutionize various industries, from healthcare to transportation, and everything in between. However, with the rise of AI comes the fear that it will replace human workers, leading to job losses and economic disruption.

One of the ways in which AI has been integrated into our lives is through CAPTCHAs. These distorted words or images that we encounter when accessing certain websites serve a dual purpose. They not only protect websites from automated bots but also help train AI algorithms. By asking users to identify objects or words, CAPTCHAs contribute to Google's image recognition abilities, particularly in its self-driving car efforts. It's fascinating to think that by simply identifying a bicycle or a traffic light, we are inadvertently helping improve AI technology.

The fear of AI replacing human workers is not unfounded. A Gallup survey found that 22% of American workers now fear being replaced by AI, up from 15% in 2021. Even workers with college degrees have seen a dramatic increase in AI fears, from 8% to 20% in just two years. Goldman Sachs Research estimates that generative AI exposes 300 million full-time jobs to automation, with two-thirds of current jobs being at risk to some degree. This highlights the need for workers to adapt and reskill in the face of technological advancements.

Interestingly, not all jobs are equally susceptible to AI automation. Skilled trades, such as plumbing and electrical work, are seen as less likely to be replaced by AI. Gen Z, the generation known for its tech-savviness, holds a high opinion of skilled trades as a career choice. A survey revealed that 73% of Gen Z individuals respect skilled trades, and 74% believe these jobs are immune to AI replacement. This is a positive outlook for those in the skilled trades and suggests that not all industries will be completely disrupted by AI.

However, the challenge lies in ensuring that workers are prepared for the changes brought about by AI. Currently, only 0.1% of GDP is spent on helping workers retrain, a significant decrease from what was spent 30 years ago. This means that we need to rely on the private sector to develop solutions for reskilling and upskilling workers. The productivity software sector, in particular, has stagnated in recent years, presenting an opportunity for startups to reinvent the industry by adopting an AI-first approach.

In conclusion, the future holds both promise and challenges. DAOs represent a new way of organizing and governing, while AI has the potential to transform various industries and reshape the workforce. To navigate this changing landscape successfully, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Embrace learning and reskilling: As AI continues to advance, it is crucial for workers to adapt and acquire new skills that are in demand. Lifelong learning and reskilling initiatives will be essential in ensuring employability in the face of automation.

• 2. Foster collaboration between humans and AI: Instead of fearing the rise of AI, we should focus on how humans and machines can work together. By leveraging the strengths of both, we can achieve greater efficiency and innovation.

• 3. Prioritize investment in worker retraining: Governments and businesses must recognize the importance of investing in worker retraining programs. By providing resources and support for individuals to acquire new skills, we can minimize the negative impact of AI on the workforce.

In the end, the future is not set in stone. It is up to us to shape it in a way that benefits everyone. By embracing the potential of DAOs and AI while also addressing the challenges they present, we can create a future that is inclusive, innovative, and sustainable.