Chapter 1: Understanding the Impact of Generative AI

What role will generative AI play in shaping our social landscape, particularly concerning traditional conservative values? As jobs traditionally held by progressive individuals become automated, how will this influence the concept of wokeness?

I have yet to encounter a blue-collar worker who embodies the concept of being "woke." Furthermore, it’s hard to identify many blue-collar roles that are on the brink of being replaced by artificial intelligence in the near future. My perspective shifted after reading a compelling piece by Patricia Adams and Lawrence Solomon titled "ChatGPT Will Sap the Woke World, Succor Conservatism."

Let's clarify a few terms first.

Blue-collar jobs refer to those requiring physical or manual labor, which can be either skilled or unskilled. Workers in this category include a variety of professionals such as police officers, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, roofers, construction laborers, and transportation personnel.

According to Wikipedia, the term "woke" originates from African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) and describes an awareness of racial prejudice and discrimination. Since the 2010s, its meaning has expanded to include a broader understanding of social inequalities, including issues related to sexism and LGBTQ+ rights. Additionally, "woke" often signifies certain progressive leftist ideologies concerning identity politics and social justice, such as discussions surrounding white privilege and reparations for African Americans.

While advancements in technology have undoubtedly simplified various blue-collar tasks and led to automation replacing repetitive duties (like assembly line work and package sorting), it remains a long way off before a robot can handle repairs like fixing a broken toilet or a leaking roof. In my experience, those engaged in such practical work tend to lean toward more traditional, conservative values.

The roles most susceptible to being replaced by AI technologies like ChatGPT are those in tech and media—fields predominantly occupied by progressive individuals who are often labeled as "woke."

Adams and Solomon propose that as workers in these progressive sectors face job losses due to automation, they may find themselves entering less progressive environments. This shift could lead to a transformation in their viewpoints, influenced by peers who do not share their previous ideologies. They assert:

"ChatGPT is a technology designed to enhance economic productivity. Interestingly, it may also lead to a societal shift, steering governance away from progressive ideals and towards traditional liberalism and conservatism."

I sincerely hope they are correct in their predictions.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts! Here's a bit more about my background:

Chapter 2: The Future of Work in a Generative AI World