Exploring the Human Impact of AI and Inequality at MIT’s New Stone Center
Introduction to the Stone Center's Mission MIT has inaugurated the Stone Center on Inequality and Shaping the Future of Work. This new center focuses on how emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence (AI), affect social structures, work environments, and human well-being. Its goal is to understand how these changes influence inequality and democratic values. Understanding AI’s Role in the Workplace The Stone Center emphasizes AI as a tool that can reshape labor conditions. Discussions highlight the importance of designing AI systems that support workers rather than replace them. This approach is known as "pro-worker AI," which seeks to improve job quality, safety, and productivity without deepening social divides. Wealth Inequality and Technological Change Speakers at the launch event pointed out that technological advances often lead to uneven wealth distribution. As AI and automation increase efficiency, the benefits may concentrate among owner...