Artificial Labor

I’ve just invented artificial labor.

What does artificial labor do?

It can replace humans at any job.

Any job?

Any job done on a computer. In a few years maybe 80% of all jobs.

So, just like when the ATM replaced bank tellers, we opened more banks, and hired more people?

Right, except you’ll just buy more artificial labor this time instead of hiring people.

Oh. Why?

Artificial labor is cheaper. A LOT cheaper. It’s also faster. A LOT faster.

Okay, so like in the past when jobs were lost to technological innovations, we found new jobs. Same thing here, right?

Sure! You’ll find new jobs and artificial labor will do them cheaply and quickly! Almost any job you can think of could eventually be done by artificial labor!

Oh, I meant humans would find new jobs.

Oh. Why did you think that would happen?

Because we did in the past.

I see.

Can’t we just switch to other jobs while artificial labor does the most high value ones?

Oh, you mean comparative advantage?

Yes! Exactly!

Hmmm… I guess technically you could do other jobs, but I don’t think you’ll get paid enough to survive.

What?! A job that doesn’t pay enough to survive? That doesn’t make any sense!

I agree! It would not make any sense to take such a job.

But I thought when something becomes cheaper, we just end up using more of it?

Oh, like Jevons paradox?

Yes! So we’re good right?

We’ll use more labor, yes! Luckily artificial labor can be copied easily, so you can fill the new demand!

Why wouldn’t humans get those jobs?

Humans need sleep and health insurance. Artificial labor needs none of those things! Humans also get distracted easily and demand more money or time off.

There must be jobs that we’ll always want humans to do?

For sure! We’ll probably still prefer human basketball players and opera singers. Maybe nannies or nurses too!

That doesn’t sound like a lot of jobs.

Right! Artificial labor is cheaper and faster. Soon it will be safer too! You won’t actually want humans to do most jobs at all!

Aren’t humans required for the economy to function?

Work is required. But there’s no rule that humans need to be the ones doing it.

Well, I don’t think your invention will replace my job.

Can you work 8760 hours in a year for the cost of electricity?

No! I meant that I still think I’m smarter than your invention!

Who said anything about intelligence?