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This week on "Preparing for AI," we tackle the sobering reality of job displacement due to AI advancements and the ethical dilemmas that come with new technologies. We kick off with a deep dive into Microsoft's Copilot Plus PCs, machines equipped with neural processing units to handle AI workloads locally. Imagine your computer not only working smarter but maintaining functionality even offline. Yet, there's a catch—constant snapshots of your activities raise significant privacy concerns. We weigh the benefits against the potential risks, shedding light on the future of user privacy in an AI-driven world.

The conversation then shifts to the real-world consequences of AI on employment. The stories are stark: a graphic designer and a copywriter find themselves out of work, replaced by AI tools like MidJourney and DALL-E. These aren't isolated incidents. Major corporations like British Telecom and IBM are aggressively incorporating AI into their operations, leading to massive workforce reductions. British Telecom plans to cut 40% of its jobs by 2030, while IBM has paused hiring for non-customer-facing roles. We scrutinize these unsettling trends, unpacking what they mean for the future of work and the human cost of technological progress.

By interviewing somebody recently affected by job cuts we examine the seismic shifts in digital content creation brought on by AI. Traditional journalists face mounting tension as AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, reshaping everything from SEO strategies to consumer preferences. Younger audiences are increasingly comfortable with AI-generated voiceovers on platforms like TikTok, signaling a generational shift in content consumption. We also delve into the philosophical and legislative challenges posed by AI, discussing Universal Basic Income and Universal High Income as potential solutions to job displacement. And to wrap it all up, we recommend Lazy Owl's YouTube video for a glimpse into a balanced society where AI and humans could coexist productively. Join us for a comprehensive look into the social impacts of AI and step ahead of the curve in preparing for the future.

Apologies in advance for the poor audio quality on some of this week's episode. 

Links from this episode:

Anthropic Golden Gate Bridge: https://www.anthropic.com/news/golden-gate-claude

Neural Networks: https://www.3blue1brown.com/topics/neural-networks

Lazy Owl Video: https://youtu.be/iNKFOCki42I?si=kjxP1sl_zCCDDV1a