Economics — Artificial Intelligence

How AI Will Solidify A Two-Tier Society

The rise of AI as the new public good

Martin Knapp
6 min readJun 24, 2024

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scene from Elysium, courtesy of Tristar & Sony Pictures

Many things in our society that are considered public goods, might not be around once AI becomes common place. Or, at least not the way we think of it. Public education was created to educate a work force. But if there is no need for a work force, will there still be free public education?

Similarly, healthcare… if there is no need for a workforce, will healthcare become even less available than it is now? It depends on the basic outlook of the country you live in. If healthcare coverage comes from having a job — that might be a problem in the future. If it is considered a basic human right by the laws of your country… consider yourself lucky.

Its possible knowledge itself, will become a capitalist football. Ten years ago the paywall for knowledge was the University system. Now, as we see more and more paywalls springing up around the internet, it doesn’t spell the end of information and knowledge — but it creates an obstacle between you and primary research. Likewise, the ability to experience content undistracted by ads is less likely unless you are willing to pay for it.

Dear ChatGPT, is the average level of IQ within a…

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Martin Knapp

I write about economics, geopolitics, and conflict. Short posts on X @GeoPoliticaMK My fiction author site: https://www.edwardgye.com/