The Rise of a New Class Division: How Artificial Intelligence Could Make Humans Redundant

Yuval Noah Harari, a senior advisor at the World EConomic Forum (WEF), has sparked contraversy by discussing the evolving role of humans in a world influenced by advancing technologies. In an interview, Harari speculated on a potential societal shift due to the emergence of artificial intelligence and its impact on people.

Harari predicted the rise of a new class division, foreseeing a separation between global elites and what he termed as the “redundant” general public. He argued that a significant portion of the world’s population might become obsolete in the eyes of this elite class, raising questions about the necessity of such a large human presence.

His viewpoint suggested that rapid technological progress might render humans unnecessary for many tasks. He emphasized that as computing technology advances, there’s a possibility of machines outperforming humans in various fields, potentially making them redundant in the workforce.

Harari’s statements included a prediction of a substantial population becoming ‘useless’ due to their displacement by AI. He even humorously commented, in a context of laughter from the audience, that these individuals might resort to distractions like drugs and computer games to cope with their situation.

His perspective encompasses the idea that as technology becomes more sophisticated, it could eliminate the need for a significant portion of the population to contribute actively to certain fields, reducing their relevance in the eyes of the global elite.

Harari, known for his advocacy in discussing the implications of technological advancement, particularly artificial intelligence, has often suggested that a large portion of the population might become redundant in the eyes of those steering the global economy. His viewpoint raises questions about the changing dynamics between the workforce and evolving technologies, pointing to a potential future where fewer humans are necessary in certain spheres due to technological prowess.

In his assessment, Harari outlined a changing landscape where corporations can utilize cost-effective technology to replace human labor. He emphasized the growing role of sophisticated technology, including AI and bioengineering, potentially diminishing the need for human contributions in these areas.

His perspective, while speculative, paints a picture of a future where technology’s advancement might redefine the societal value of human labor, leaving many to grapple with questions about their relevance in an increasingly automated world.