AI Productivity Gains Mainly Benefit People At The Top

Every time a new technology is introduced that increases productivity people are told that it will allow for more free time and shorter workdays. But that has not been the case. Instead, what happens is that the baseline expectation goes up. There isn’t less work or more free time. It is no different this time around with AI. When I say “AI”, I am specifically talking about generative AI like LLMs. Sam Altman of OpenAI said “Expectations will go up, but capabilities will go up equally quickly, and we’ll all get better stuff.” The “better stuff” has yet to arrive for the average person. In 1930, John Maynard Keynes published “Economic Possibilities for our Grandchildren” where he claims that we’ll have 15-hour work weeks by 2030. We are in 2026. I doubt we’ll get 15-hour work weeks in 2030. More recently, Bill Gates said a 3-day work week could be possible thanks to AI. This is the kind of dream we’re sold when a new technology arrives. It’s been happening for decades. Meanwhile, you…