Did AI Take Your Job Yet?

I distinctly remember the day I needed to open a checking account at my bank. After completing my application, a representative guided me outside to demonstrate how to use the ATM for depositing checks and cash. She emphasized the convenience of bypassing teller lines. Additionally, she showed me how to photograph my paycheck with my phone and deposit it through the bank's app. Clearly, the role of bank tellers may be diminishing.

Have you noticed the shift in retail environments? On my recent visits to Walmart and Lowe’s, self-checkout lines were abundant, making it challenging to find a traditional cashier.

It will be intriguing to see how AI continues to shape the global workforce.

What About Universal Basic Income?

In the last two years, stimulus payments, child tax credits, and enhanced unemployment benefits have provided support to many families, including my own. This led me to ponder whether these benefits were preliminary trials for universal basic income (UBI). Discussions around UBI have been gaining traction globally, even before the pandemic, with several cities in the U.S. experimenting with the concept.

In Compton, California, a program running until December has 800 participants receiving $1,800 quarterly. Similarly, Tacoma's Growing Resilience initiative provides $500 monthly to its 110 participants.

Interestingly, UBI isn't a new concept. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. discussed “guaranteed income” in his 1967 book, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos Or Community? Advocates argue that UBI could alleviate financial struggles for many impoverished families and assist those who do not qualify for standard government aid. However, critics contend that it might disincentivize work and may not provide enough for a sustainable living. It will be fascinating to see how the UBI debate unfolds in future political contexts and whether it might become federal law.

Learning Goes Digital

Virtual insanity is rapidly influencing our children and teens through online education and numerous supplemental learning applications. The Internet offers remarkable advantages for enhancing learning, especially for families unable to purchase expensive books and materials. They can easily print practice worksheets and access e-books.

However, what if a nationwide power outage occurs due to grid failures, leaving everyone without access to computers for weeks? This highlights the importance of balancing online education with traditional learning tools such as workbooks, pens, and magazines. I prefer having tangible materials available when teaching my daughter at home, including handwriting tablets, physical Bibles, my grandmother's encyclopedias from the 70s, loose-leaf paper, markers, and binders. I want to ensure she doesn't overly rely on digital learning resources.

Remote Work Boom

In our tech-centric society, remote work is undoubtedly here to stay. Personally, I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity to work from home. This flexibility has enabled me to fulfill my dream of being a full-time homeschooling mom since the birth of my daughter, while also allowing me to increase my income over the years.

During the pandemic's aftermath, remote job openings were a lifeline for many families who faced layoffs early on. Additionally, those dismissed due to employer vaccine mandates found new opportunities in remote roles.

The Doctor Will See You On Zoom

Telehealth services are poised for significant growth in the coming years. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in April 2020 revealed a 23% decrease in in-person medical visits, contrasted with a staggering 4000% surge in telemedicine usage. The benefits of telemedicine are numerous: no need to take time off work, easier access to specialists, avoiding waiting rooms, and often a more relaxed consultation with the doctor.

In conclusion, while we may be living in a state of virtual insanity, not all aspects are negative. Technology, much like money, has the potential for both positive and negative applications. The digital era is here to stay, and it is essential to learn how to navigate it safely and wisely.

Experience the iconic "Virtual Insanity" by Jamiroquai, which captures the essence of a technology-driven future.

Dive into the lyrics of "Virtual Insanity" by Jamiroquai, exploring the underlying themes of technology's influence on our lives.