Living in a future where the concept of a job as we understand it today seems on the brink of extinction may seem like a far-fetched idea however, I look around me and fear that the generation currently enjoying their twilight years might well be the last ones to have experienced what we consider a ‘normal’ life. In their lives, they have known tangible aspirations, the warmth of human connection, the freedom to choose their path and, above all, the autonomy to think for themselves. They have not been subjected to the overbearing control of a governing body or the omnipresent influence of technology.
They have experienced the simple joy of driving their cars, travelling, making their own decisions, writing letters, earning a livelihood through hard work, and choosing where they want to plant their roots. They have lived in a world where mobile phones were unnecessary and face-to-face interaction was preferred.
Now, we stand on the precipice of a future where artificial intelligence is not just a concept but a reality. It might seem like I’m spinning a dystopian tale, but let’s delve deeper. Several nations, including the United States, Finland, Canada, Spain, Kenya, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, are exploring or planning trials for Universal Basic Income (UBI). It’s a model where every adult citizen regularly receives a fixed amount, with the primary goal of reducing poverty and replacing numerous need-based social programs. The rise of automation, particularly AI, which is steadily taking over jobs, especially in the manufacturing sector, has significantly boosted this concept of universal basic income.
I foresee that within the next two decades, there’s a possibility that this UBI system will evolve, replacing money with a voucher system for life’s necessities. The government will determine your living conditions and the amount you get for your needs, and most of us will likely be jobless as AI replaces our chosen careers.
Imagine a world where you rely on government-issued living allowances because technology has made your job redundant. It’s not as far off as you might think. It pains me to believe that our children may grow up in such a detached world with little control over their lives and choices. For now, I’ll cherish my freedom to make my own decisions and live as I see fit. I feel grateful to have been born in an era where I can still exercise control over my life and interact with fellow human beings.
Soozi’s Grown Up Life 