Automation uses technology to perform tasks with less direct human labor. Historically, it has often removed difficult, physically damaging work while allowing labor to move elsewhere. section 9.1.2
Large language models change the concern by targeting knowledge work such as copywriting, visual arts, graphic design, and banking. Their broad usefulness makes every possible use difficult to test for safety. section 9.1.2 section 9.6
Automation does not produce one predictable economic outcome:
- Jobs may disappear, change, or expand rather than simply vanish. section 9.1.2
- New work may center on obtaining high-quality training data and applying human creativity. section 9.1.2
- Broad knowledge-work automation raises unresolved concerns about safety, alignment, data rights, and future feedback loops. section 9.6
The ATM counter-example
ATMs automated many bank-teller tasks, but teller employment still doubled to approximately 600,000 between 1970 and 2010. Automating tasks did not automatically eliminate the occupation. section 9.1.2
