People I (Mostly) Admire 142. What’s Impacting American Workers?
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Oct 12, 2024 
David Autor, a renowned MIT professor specializing in labor economics, dives deep into the significant effects of technology and AI on American workers. He discusses the rise of income inequality since the late 1970s and the crucial role education plays in this issue. Autor also explores AI's potential to reshape job roles and empower the middle class, arguing that it can democratize access to skilled work. With insight into the intersection of labor markets and technology, he provides a compelling look at future trends affecting workers.
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Autor's Unconventional Path
- David Autor's career path to becoming an MIT economist was unconventional.
- He dropped out of Columbia, worked various jobs, and didn't take his first economics class until age 29.
Westward Journey
- After college, Autor drove west without a plan, ending up in San Francisco.
- There, he worked at a computer learning center, which sparked his interest in technology's impact on society.
Computers' Broad Impact
- Computers affect not just those who use them, but also those who don't, by changing skill demand.
- Computers excel at routine tasks, impacting clerical and administrative jobs but augmenting professional roles.