Even if we completely avoid the worst case scenarios where AI obliterates the job market or evolves into a paperclip maximizer, it has a good shot of being the most destructive technology in generations. The tech industry has already done a lot of harm to our social fabric with social media, gambling, and other addictive innovations replacing real life experiences and personal connections. This has led to well documented increases in depression, loneliness, and political extremism.

Now it seems AI is poised to eliminate most of the good innovations that tech brought about, and will probably crank social strife up to 11. It already feels like the foundations of the developed world have gotten shaky; I shudder to think what a massive blow will bring about.

I've read enough history to know that I really, really don't want to live through a violent revolution, or a world war, or a great depression.