Chapter 1: The Emergence of the AI Conflict

A significant struggle is currently unfolding in the United States, marking the first confrontation between artificial intelligence and human workers. This battle warrants our attention due to its vast implications.

The conflict is occurring on two primary fronts: the West Coast, where creatives are resisting the encroachment of AI, and the Midwest, where autoworkers are combating similar threats to their livelihoods. The resistance from artists is more visible, while the automotive industry's shift towards electric vehicles reflects a comparable intent to automate labor.

If the AI side prevails, it will lead to diminished employment opportunities for individuals, allowing corporations to enjoy increased profits without the burden of salaries or health benefits. In this scenario, both creative professionals and factory workers will bear the brunt of the consequences, while others—including unaware consumers—may reap the supposed benefits of AI-driven efficiencies.

It is no surprise that unions are at the forefront of these battles, as safeguarding their members' interests is a core principle for them. They are mobilizing against a threat to their welfare.

However, it is likely that they will not succeed.

Despite being the most organized opposition to the AI transformation in our economy and daily lives, their collective strength may not be sufficient to prevail. Their primary strategy, aside from protesting and giving media interviews, is to halt work—an action that AI itself will ultimately render obsolete.

As each day passes, automotive manufacturers and entertainment companies gain more time to strategize for the inevitable future where AI takes center stage. One can imagine covert efforts to produce content solely through AI or factories accelerating their transition to robotic operations.

In the long run, creatives and autoworkers may find themselves accepting subpar agreements that offer little improvement (a rumored settlement on the Hollywood front is anticipated), as there is no way to halt AI's relentless advance to reshape these industries in its likeness. The writing is clear and digital.

Section 1.1: The Educational Front

The second battleground will be in the realm of education.

Teachers' unions, another organized group, face a direct threat to their members' livelihoods from AI. It's only a matter of time before lesson plans begin to be delivered autonomously, followed by AI-assisted evaluations and curriculum development. With the advent of remote learning, a well-trained language model could feasibly manage a classroom today.

Improvements in AI for educational purposes are not far off.

This conflict may be less coordinated than the first, as some teachers' unions may initially embrace AI until it becomes too late. Others may simply capitulate, having already accepted numerous technological gimmicks in their classrooms.

Ultimately, they too will face defeat because their only real option will be to refuse work—a stance that will only facilitate and accelerate the development of their AI replacements.

After educators, few adversaries remain with enough influence to stand against the AI advance. Perhaps postal workers or other government employees might rise to the challenge? The remaining unions in our economy may or may not take a stand in the upcoming AI battles.

The same applies to less structured professions like lawyers or doctors, who are already witnessing much of their work being automated. At some point, they may realize that they are not merely being assisted by technology but are at risk of being entirely replaced, prompting them to take action.

Yet, they too will likely face defeat, as the media will continuously promote the supposed benefits of AI, even as it displaces jobs. Academics will provide grand theories, urging us to ignore what is unfolding before our eyes. Proponents of the free market will insist that everything will work out in the end. Investors will rejoice.

Eventually, enforcement actions will begin.

Once major unions and professional organizations have been overwhelmed, the conflict will shift to a more dispersed and prolonged enforcement effort, pitting individuals or small groups against AI's threat to privacy and personal autonomy—especially as increased surveillance turns our every choice into data used to manipulate our decisions.

Many will perceive this as a remarkable innovation. A significant portion will remain unaware or view the situation as unavoidable. The only means of resistance for those unwilling to embrace automation will be to opt out of these services.

However, they too will struggle, as surviving in an automated society will be challenging. Services will become inaccessible. Opportunities will diminish. Shopping will become more difficult.

While a few pockets of resistance may resort to extreme measures, it will ultimately be inconsequential. The media will portray them as modern-day Luddites. The forces that build and profit from AI will remain patient.

Section 1.2: A Call to Action

The final struggle could last indefinitely, and AI's transformation of our world will continue unabated.

Is an AI triumph unavoidable?

Not necessarily, but we must shift our perspective on how we discuss and understand it.

Because we often assume that AI's rise is inevitable, public discourse is largely limited to aspirations of ensuring that this technology is fair, unbiased, and secure (whatever that may entail). Regulators view their role as overseeing an unrestricted rollout of AI into every facet of our lives.

Businesses are racing to capitalize on AI applications. Tech creators are lauding its potential, often neglecting to mention the dire consequences it may have, leaving the onus of responsibility on others.

This represents a classic example of a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Instead, we should recognize the First AI War for what it truly is: the initial skirmish in a protracted struggle over the kind of lives we wish to lead.

We must regard the challenges faced by creatives and autoworkers as our own, understanding that their fight is ours as well. We should not only support them but also seek to comprehend their struggles and prepare for the possibility that we may soon face similar threats.

We ought to demand that our political leaders move beyond superficial discussions of AI and address the monumental effects it will have on our economy and society. Academics should encourage deeper investigations into the social and psychological ramifications of a world transformed by AI. Our spiritual leaders could openly discuss how AI challenges our assumptions about our uniqueness.

If these groups shifted from behaving like eager early adopters to fulfilling the role of critical thinkers we urgently need, we might envision and create solutions that benefit everyone.

However, we must acknowledge that what we are experiencing now is not merely the First AI War.

It is the beginning of the last one.

The first video, "The AI War Has Begun! Every Google I/O AI Announcement (Supercut)," explores the emerging landscape of AI and its implications across various sectors.

The second video, "AI Wars — Over or Just Begun?" discusses the ongoing conflict between AI advancements and traditional industries, raising critical questions about our future.