Is Social Collapse Imminent Due to AI and Automation?

Interesting point about the timeline! I think we might see substantial impacts in just a few years if AI picks up speed and automates jobs faster than we can adapt. Society can't function if a huge chunk of people are unemployable. If AI drives unemployment to critical levels, the economy might literally fall apart because no one will have spending power, and that could prompt quick policy changes.

I get where you're coming from, but let's not underestimate the resilience of institutions. While rapid changes could be shocking, societies have shown they can adapt when required. Universal Basic Income or similar measures could be implemented much quicker than we think if there's real turmoil. We’ve seen drastic measures taken quickly before, like during serious economic downturns. However, the question remains: will they be proactive or reactive?

I totally share your fears, but in a weird way, I think this scenario might lead to a healthier long-term future. A slow rollout of AI might be worse; people might get too comfortable while more and more folks fall into poverty. If enough people struggle, there's bound to be a push for change—but if it's a gradual process, who knows how long we'll wait before real change happens? It could be decades before we hit a crisis point, and by then, the gap between the wealthy and everyone else could widen drastically.

I think you're right about the interconnectedness of these issues. AI disrupting industries could create waves that ripple throughout society. If the wealthy still have money while the majority struggle, we could face new social hierarchies that could lead to unrest. It’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole—ignoring human needs in favor of tech efficiency could lead to tragic consequences.

It’s definitely a complex situation. Many people focus too much on technological advancements without considering socio-political realities. If we reach a point where significant sectors are automated, traditional jobs will vanish, and that includes high-paying roles. People might not be starving, but there could be a huge backlash from those who feel irrelevant. Status panic, even among the middle and upper classes, could lead to instability.