Cory Doctorow on AI's "Bad Unit Economics" and the Labor vs. Capital Divide in Automation
By
Amy Goodman, Nermeen Shaikh
Summary
In this interview, Cory Doctorow discusses the economics of AI, arguing that AI systems have "bad unit economics" and are often deployed by capital to cut labor costs rather than improve products. He explores the distinction between labor-driven automation (which improves quality) and capital-driven automation (which increases quantity), and critiques Big Tech's approach to AI. Doctorow also promotes his latest book, The Reverse Centaur's Guide to Life After AI, offering a critical perspective on artificial intelligence hype and its implications for workers and society.
Source
bskyCory Doctorow on AI's "Bad Unit Economics" and the Labor vs. Capital Divide in Automationtruthout.orgKey quotes
· 3 pulledWhen labor drives automation, it's usually in service to making the product better, and when capital drives automation, it's usually in service to making more of the product.
AI has bad unit economics.
The Reverse Centaur's Guide to Life After AI: How to Think About Artificial Intelligence — Before It's Too Late.
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