The challenges that the next generation will face are daunting.
And I’m not even talking about climate change, I’m talking about the progressive loss of the value of work, increasing automation through artificial intelligence, and the lack of basic training in resilience and responsibility of each individual.
The value of work has changed over and over again throughout history. Since the introduction of the steam engine and later the assembly line, the world of work changed fundamentally, but ultimately led to more work instead of less. With the entry of women into gainful employment, the labour force was almost doubled, which led to a further reduction in the value of labour (note: this is only an effect of supply and demand). But now we have reached a point where even complex tasks can soon be automated. How will this affect the value of human labor other than negatively?
The role of artificial intelligence cannot be overestimated. This technology does not develop linearly, but exponentially, like any information technology. Where in the past a human being was irreplaceable for qualified tasks, today a machine or an algorithm is increasingly taking over. It doesn’t take a prophetic gift to see that this will have a destabilizing effect on a society where work and income are necessary for a dignified life.
One possible answer to this could be a universal basic income. It would not only be a social buffer that will cushion the worst of the unrest and emergencies, but also a way for people to upskill and reorient themselves. But money alone will not solve the problem. The real challenge is to make each individual aware of the responsibility for his or her own further development.
Unfortunately, the current generation has already missed out on a lot. Often not through their own fault, but because the education system and teachers were not prepared for the rapid changes. In addition, there is the tendency of this generation to often see responsibility “elsewhere” than in themselves. Therefore, society needs to invest more in training in resilience and personal responsibility – this includes the desire to learn and develop throughout life.
If we don’t take this step, we risk sending an entire generation into obsolescence before it even sees the light of day. The challenges are complex and time is of the essence, but the solutions are essentially in our hands. Personal responsibility and the will to constantly develop could be a key not only to surviving the coming challenges, but also to mastering them as a society in a stronger and mature way.
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