The Real AI Risk is ‘Meh’ Technology That Takes Jobs and Annoys Us All

The article discusses the potential risks posed by "meh" AI technology, which may not be as advanced as the feared superintelligent robots, but can still have significant impacts on society. The Nobel Prize-winning economist, Paul Romer, warns that the real AI risk lies in the widespread adoption of mediocre AI systems that automate tasks and displace jobs, leading to frustration and annoyance among the general public. Romer argues that the focus on apocalyptic AI scenarios can distract from the more immediate and widespread challenges posed by AI. He emphasizes the need to carefully consider the societal implications of AI technology, particularly its impact on employment and its potential to create a sense of "meh" or indifference among the population. The article suggests that policymakers should prioritize addressing these more subtle but pervasive risks of AI, rather than solely focusing on the far-fetched scenarios of superintelligent machines.