Imagine a Next Act shaped by artificial intelligence—will we have to slog through a dystopian nightmare before we reach the utopian dream? In this episode of Next Act Ninjas, host Rachael Van Pelt tackles the opportunities and threats of retiring at a time when AI technologies are advancing at an unprecedented rate.
Imagine a Next Act shaped by artificial intelligence—will we have to slog through a dystopian nightmare before we reach the utopian dream? In this episode of Next Act Ninjas, host Rachael Van Pelt tackles the opportunities and threats of retiring at a time when AI technologies are advancing at an unprecedented rate. Rachael explores AI’s impact on job displacement, economic inequality, societal manipulation, and democracy. But she also highlights the potential for an inspiring future where AI leads to revolutionary healthcare breakthroughs, dramatically improved quality of life, boundless creativity, and abundant prosperity. Older generations may be tempted to leave this technological revolution for younger generations to sort out but it’s going to need everyone’s active participation if we are to steer AI advancement in the right direction. Are we ready to face this technology-driven future head-on, or will we succumb to chaos? Listen in to discover how you can actively shape AI's trajectory, safeguard retirement, and redefine what brings meaning to life. Your future—and humanity's—depends on your active attention to these potential threats and opportunities. Tune in now!
Chapters
00:00 The Dystopian vs. Utopian Future of AI
02:44 The Economic and Social Implications of AI
06:06 The Trade-Offs of Technological Advances
08:08 The Crisis of Meaning in a Changing Job Landscape
10:18 The Use of AI for Social Manipulation and to Erode Trust
12:24 Steering AI Towards a Brighter Future
16:00 Envisioning a Utopian Future with AI
18:51 The Power of Community Engagement and Leadership
Hey, hey, welcome back to Next Act Ninjas, the number one podcast for mastering your health and wealth longevity. I'm your host, Rachael Van Pelt. And today, I want to talk about the very real possibility that advances in artificial intelligence will plunge us into dystopia near-term, despite the fact that many experts argue that it will be a mostly utopian existence long-term. It's a topic that might seem like it belongs solely in the tech world, but I promise you, it is highly relevant for all of us, especially us baby boomers and Gen Xers who have seen tremendous technological change over the decades. It's my hope that by the end of today's episode, you'll see that we're not just passive observers of these changes. We have the power and I think the responsibility to help guide the future towards outcomes that are more hopeful, more equitable, and more in line with our values.
But first I want to ask you a question. When you think about artificial intelligence or AI, what exactly comes to mind? Is it your Google device or Siri or Alexa? Or maybe it's a large language model like ChatGPT or Grok? Or do you picture a humanoid robot- maybe something from your favorite sci-fi movie? Whatever you imagine, AI is so much more. It's automation, agents, neural nets, deep learning. It's data and algorithms and compute.
AI isn't just a bunch of tools that will change how we work and communicate. It is an explosion of intelligence that's going to dwarf all technological advances we've ever experienced. It's going to radically shift the trajectory of our future. And it's happening so fast that it is outpacing our ability to adapt. In fact, many AI experts are beginning to express concern about the potential for near-term dystopia long before we can achieve any kind of long-term utopia. And that's because of economic and social and existential concerns.
Now we might be tempted to leave this problem for younger generations to solve, but the truth is this isn't just some distant futuristic issue. This is something that needs our attention right now. Really it needed our attention yesterday because the decisions we are making today about how to train and utilize AI are already shaping the future in ways we haven't fully grasped.
Whether it's about how the workplace will change, how our communities will be structured, or even how our personal finances are managed, AI is the heart of everything. The genie, it's out of the bottle, I'm afraid. There's no going back. But as an experienced value-driven generation, we have a unique perspective that I think can help steer changes in a positive direction. The question is, will we have to suffer a painful period of chaos and scarcity before we figure out how to guide things towards more stability and abundance.
The experts provide two contrasting visions of the future, dystopia and utopia. They're two sides of the same coin, aren't they? On one side, we have immediate challenges and risks that could disrupt society. On the other side, there's a promise of unprecedented benefits. Maybe improved healthcare, increased productivity, more leisure time to enjoy life, whatever.
Now, in the dystopian scenario, the concern is that the technological advances will accelerate economic upheaval, job disruption, social manipulation. AI is going to concentrate wealth more than ever before. And that is going to lead to mind-boggling economic inequality. In fact, we're probably going to see the first trillionaires within the next, five to 10 years. And we all know what happens when the rich get richer. We've all seen how technology can leave people behind and that's a real concern for society.
And even bigger fear is the way that AI can be used to manipulate public opinion. We are living in an era where information spreads like wildfire. It could be half-truths, misinformation, disinformation, or just downright lies. Regardless, AI tools amplify these effects. They infiltrate our thinking, both consciously and subconsciously. And that makes it incredibly hard for us to discern what's true or even real these days. And that chaos and confusion is what poses a threat to our civil discourse and ultimately to our democracy.
Now, I'm not even going to go into the more serious existential risks today. That's a bigger topic for another day. But let me just say that losing control over these powerful AI systems is a serious concern. While that may sound like the plot of a Hollywood movie, I don't think you have to be a sci-fi writer to imagine what could happen when AI is a million times smarter than we are, especially if its goals aren't aligned with humanity's goals.
On the flip side, many experts are highly optimistic. They envision a future where AI transforms our world for the better. Productivity leads to shorter work weeks, higher living standards, and even revolutionary advancements in healthcare. The massive leaps in intelligence could help solve all kinds of hard problems, everything from world hunger to global warming. If it helps us overcome resource scarcity, that would shift us towards a world of overflowing abundance, a world where personal growth, creativity, community, all take center stage.
Now, obviously, it's never all rainbows and unicorns, is it? There are always trade-offs when it comes to technological advances. All we have to do is look at our smartphone usage today. We all carry around this extraordinarily powerful computer in the palm of our hands. They keep us connected. They give us instant knowledge, but we also find ourselves addicted to them, don't we? We spend far too many hours every single day glued to our screens. I think we're going to experience the same kind of trade-offs when it comes to AI. How we leverage this abundance of intelligence at our fingertips will be our choice. We have an amazing opportunity, but I also think a moral responsibility to influence the path we take from here.
How do we do that? I think we have to fully understand what's at stake near-term. As I alluded to, one of the biggest concerns is the potential for economic inequality and job disruption. All we have to do is think back to the industrial revolution. That was a time when new machines changed the way we work. And it left many workers struggling to adapt. History shows us that while technology can lead to tremendous economic growth, it can also create significant challenges for workers.
Advances in AI is on the verge of doing something similar, but on a much larger scale. AI's ability to automate tasks means that the vast majority of traditional jobs are at risk. Some industries will benefit from lower costs and increased efficiency, but the majority of roles will be devalued. But it's not just about jobs, is it? It's also about the stability of our retirement funds and the broader economy. If that wealth continues to concentrate among the few elites who control AI technologies, we're going to see a growing divide between those who benefit from advancements and those who are left behind.
And our jobs and careers are much more to us than just a paycheck, aren't they? Large-scale job displacement will likely trigger what some people have called a wide-spread "crisis of meaning". For many of us, work is a source of identity, isn't it? It's a source of purpose, community. It defines who we are. Work isn't merely about earning a living. It's about feeling needed, contributing to society and having a structured part of our day that gives us a sense of direction.
Many retirees already feel this loss of purpose and identity on an individual level, but imagine this phenomenon happening at the societal level. What happens when entire fields and industries are no longer available or valued in the same way? This isn't just going to pose an economic challenge. It'll be an emotional and an existential one. When work is no longer the central pillar of our identity, many will struggle to find new ways to derive meaning in their lives.
In a future that might otherwise look utopian, where we have more leisure time, more opportunity for personal growth, creativity, that loss of purpose could leave a significant void. I believe that this potential wide-spread "crisis of meaning" would be very dystopian. How do we redefine success and fulfillment in a world where AI does most of the work for us? And this is a question that goes beyond financial It touches on the core of our values and our lifestyle. It challenges us to think deeply about what gives our life purpose.
For many, this is going to mean cultivating new interests, forging deeper social connections, or pursuing lifelong learning and volunteerism. As leaders in our communities, I think it's essential that we're not only prepared for this economic shift, but that we're also ready to support each other in finding meaning and purpose outside of conventional careers. And without that, I think we're just going to have general malaise or even downright depression.
Add to that the potential for AI to be used for social manipulation and to erode trust, I think you have a recipe for disaster. I mean, in recent years, we've seen how rapidly news and social media platforms can shape public opinion, sometimes in harmful ways. Of course, since the invention of the printing press and film reels, we've had splashy headlines, we've had propaganda, but now AI has the ability to analyze vast amounts of data. It can target messages with pinpoint accuracy. So these tools are being used to influence everything from your political opinion to your personal beliefs.
Every bit of news you read, every ad you see, even the conversations you have are being subtly influenced by AI algorithms. Algorithms that are designed to keep you engaged or to sway your decision-making. We haven't just lost control over what information we receive, we are ripping the very fabric of our democratic society. The erosion of trust in institutions and one another is exactly what will plunge us into dystopia.
And the bigger existential threats of AI are no joke. If we are unable to steer these powerful systems to solve more problems than they create were all in trouble. The rapid pace of AI development makes it incredibly hard for society to keep up. Laws, regulations, ethical standards, they're already struggling to catch up with technology. Look at the social media dilemma. Platforms still haven't figured out how to police that quagmire. Censorship, it's never an answer, is it? But boy has social media comments gotten ugly over the years. Honestly, this gap between what technology can do and what society is prepared to manage is the single biggest challenge we face when it comes to avoiding or at least minimizing a near-term dystopian future.
So what can we do? How can we steer towards a brighter future? Well, I think the great news is that while the challenges are significant, they're not insurmountable. We have the tools, the knowledge, and most importantly, the values to guide us towards more utopian outcomes. One of the first steps is going to be educating ourselves so as not to be so easily manipulated by the few that wield AI technology. Education, it's always been the great equalizer, hasn't it? And in this age of intelligence, lifelong learning, I think is more important than ever.
Now this might at first seem counterintuitive given that AI is smarter than us, right? It's soon going to be doing so much for us. I mean, if AI becomes a thousand times smarter than us, won't that just make education obsolete? And yes, that's true to some extent, right? Some types of learning, will become obsolete. There's a lot that we're going to be able to hand over to AI completely. However, for a lot of things, AI is going to be more of an assistant or a well-valued colleague. So we're going to need to learn how to work with them.
Also, the rapid speed at which things are advancing is going to require that we remain incredibly nimble and adaptive. In other words, lifelong learning is just going to take on a whole new level of importance. Whether you're already tech savvy or you're just starting to explore, I think investing in AI related education is going to empower you to stay relevant. And I don't just mean up leveling your skills for the workplace. I mean making sure that you are empowered to navigate a world where AI and digital tech are a part of your everyday lives.
You're also going to want to stay up to date on what's happening because policymakers will be scrambling to build safety nets to soften the economic blow. You can think of things like universal basic income, or UBI. This idea has been floated as one way to provide a safety net for people whose jobs might be disrupted by technological change. UBI would likely even be used to replace welfare and disability and unemployment and social security all rolled into one. Of course, we got a glimpse of how that worked during the pandemic, and I don't think it was a raging success, was it?
So I think we need to come up with much smarter solutions than simply doling out dollars. If you are in a position to come up with better solutions, please, please, please be a strong leader in this area. If not, at least pay attention to what policymakers are doing.
For those of us who are nearing or already in retirement, let's be sure that we're endorsing policies that protect our nest egg and don't launch us into dystopia. Let's also demand ethical governance and global cooperation. AI isn't just a national issue, it's a global one. International collaboration on ethical standards can help ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly.
For those of us who have seen the rise and fall of various industries and political movements, I think it's clear that collective action and ethical leadership can drive significant change. If we advocate for policies and standards that prioritize fairness and transparency, we can help create an environment where AI's benefits are shared by everyone.
While that risk of dystopia near-term is significant, it's only a part of the story isn't it? I think many people see long-term utopia on the horizon. Can you imagine a future where AI drives such incredible productivity gains that work becomes less of a necessity and more of a choice? In this vision, we would work less and play more. We'd have more time for family and friends, more time for pursuing hobbies or engaging in community activities. Everyone could enjoy a high standard of living. It wouldn't just be a select few. Let's face it, we'd essentially all live like happy retirees, regardless of age.
Now we might not eliminate work altogether, but we would have to rethink the role that work plays in our lives. If you spent your entire lifetime, working hard, saving for retirement. This idea that your grandkids might not have to do that probably seems foreign to you. But what if technological progress gave future generations much more financial stability, much more time to enjoy life? Wouldn't that be amazing?
And I think one of the more exciting promises is AI's potential to revolutionize healthcare. Just imagine diagnostic tools that can detect diseases at an earlier stage, personalized treatment plans to adapt to your unique genetic makeup, and digital health assistance that help you manage chronic conditions. These are all things that AI can do. These advancements will undoubtedly lead to longer, healthier lives...optimal healthspan, the kind of healthspan that I talk about so much here on Next Act Ninjas. We're already seeing early versions of this. And the pace of development keeps accelerating. I just love the idea of turning our healthcare system from one that reacts to one that is proactive, one that maintains our wellbeing right up to the very end of life. That's truly inspiring to me.
And probably the most visionary aspect of the long-term utopian outlook is the potential for a post-scarcity society. In such a society, the traditional constraints of resources -money, time, energy- they're minimized. AI will eventually take over many mundane, repetitive tasks, and that's going to free us up to focus on what truly matters... creativity, innovation, personal fulfillment.
For those of us who have navigated the ups and downs of our careers, this vision offers a refreshing perspective, I think. It suggests a future where our contributions aren't measured just in economic terms, but in the richness of our experiences, our relationships, and of course, our creative endeavors.
But this begs the question, how do we steer society quickly through any near-term dystopia and towards this utopia we're talking about? I don't think we want to leave this to the younger generations. I would argue that every generation has to get involved. We Boomers and Gen Xers bring decades of experience, wisdom, and value-based decision-making to the table. Our life experience has taught us the importance of community, fairness, ethical leadership. And these are precisely the qualities that we need to guide the development and application of AI in ways that are going to benefit all of us.
So I urge you, take leadership in your community, engage in conversations about technology and policy, whether that's through local community groups or professional organizations or even informal gatherings with friends and family, your voice matters. Keep asking questions like, "How can our local businesses prepare for changes in the job market?" "What can we do to ensure that our local schools and community centers offer training in new tech?"
And be sure to advocate for ethical policies, support policies and leaders who prioritize ethical governance and the responsible development of technology. Your vote, your advocacy, and your community involvement can make a big difference in shaping the future of AI. And please don't forget to embrace lifelong learning, stay curious and open to new ideas, attend workshops, participate in online courses, and don't be afraid to ask questions about tech. The more we understand AI and its implications, the better equipped that we're going to be to harness its potential.
And finally, share your own experience with tech. Many of you I know have seen firsthand how industries and job markets have evolved over time. Your insight can provide valuable context to younger generations who are just starting to navigate these changes. When you share your stories, you help build a bridge between the past and the future, a future where tech serves our needs rather than dictating them.
Bottom line, while the near-term challenges of AI are real and significant, they don't dictate an inevitable dystopia. The long-term vision of more equitable, innovative, and compassionate society is within our grasp. But it does require active participation from all of us.
Let's keep envisioning a future where AI doesn't simply replace human labor, but enhances creativity, expands capacity for well-being. A future where technological advances are coupled with policies that protect our communities and our values. A future where our experiences, wisdom, ethical standards help shape the direction of progress. This is the utopia that we have the power to create.
I urge you to view yourselves not as passive recipients of change, but as active leaders. Your experience and values are exactly what is needed to guide decisions that will make AI work for all of us, not just a privileged few. So let's commit ourselves to staying informed, getting involved in community discussions, advocating for policies that promote fairness and ethical governance. Remember, AI can be used as a tool to enhance human flourishing.
Thank you for joining me today for another episode of Next Act Ninjas. I look forward to hearing your thoughts about how we can shape a future together. Let's be that generation that leads the change towards a more utopian world where technology is harnessed with wisdom and care.
Until next time, my friends, live well, love more, age less.