Introduction
Sam Altman, known as the creator of 'ChatGPT' and a pioneer in AI technology, is also a fervent supporter of universal basic income (UBI). Recently, he garnered global attention by announcing the results of a large-scale UBI experiment that spanned three years. This experiment, conducted in Texas and Illinois, USA, involved 3,000 low-income participants aged 21 to 40, who received either $1,000 or $50 monthly to study the impact of basic income on their lives. What were the results?
1. Background and Structure of the Experiment
The experiment was carried out by a nonprofit organization called OpenResearch.
From November 2020 to October 2023, 3,000 low-income adults aged 21 to 40 were given $1,000 or $50 per month.
The control group also received $50 to eliminate the placebo effect, ensuring the accuracy of the results by allowing for a clear comparison between the different amounts received.
2. Results: Changes in Spending and Lifestyle
Recipients of the basic income spent an average of $310 more per month, primarily on food, housing, and transportation. Interestingly, they also spent $22 more per month on helping others, indicating that a basic income not only meets basic needs but also fosters generosity.
Health-related spending increased, with dental visits up by 10%, while alcohol consumption and misuse of painkillers decreased by 20% and 53%, respectively.
3. Impact on Employment and Job Search
Contrary to common concerns, those receiving basic income worked 1.3 fewer hours per week on average, and their likelihood of being employed dropped by 2 percentage points. This equates to working about eight fewer days annually.
However, job-seeking activities increased by 10%, suggesting that the security provided by a basic income encouraged people to seek better employment opportunities.
4. Altman's Conclusions and the Limitations of Basic Income
Sam Altman concluded that basic income increases recipients' ability to meet their basic needs and autonomy.
With a secure income, individuals could afford to spend time on activities they found valuable rather than merely earning extra income.
However, he also noted that $1,000 a month might not be sufficient to address systemic barriers to healthcare access or reduce health disparities.
Sam Altman's UBI experiment is an important step in preparing for a future shaped by advancing AI technologies.
He worries that AI could eliminate traditional jobs and exacerbate wealth inequality.
Thus, he proposes using the wealth generated by AI, through taxes on AI and land, to provide every citizen with a basic income.
However, there are several challenges to realizing this idea.
First, the AI economy must be highly developed, and new laws and regulations need to be established.
There could be conflicts over wealth redistribution between big tech companies and governments.
International cooperation will also be necessary due to the global nature of AI technology and its benefits. Additionally, the social acceptance of UBI varies greatly by region and country.
Ultimately, Altman's vision hinges on our collective choices. Will AI and UBI lead to a utopia where everyone's needs are met, or will they result in a dystopia with a devalued labor market and increased polarization?
The discussion and preparation for these issues must continue.
Three-Line Summary for You
- Sam Altman found that UBI improves basic needs fulfillment and autonomy for recipients.
- UBI led to increased health spending and job-seeking activity.
- However, the realization of an AI-driven economy and UBI faces several challenges.
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