"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg

E53: Nathan Labenz and Noah Smith on What AI Actually Means for the Economy

Apr 5, 2024

Nathan Labenz and Noah Smith discuss AI's impact on job markets, government roles, and the social contract. They explore comparative advantage, human wages in an AI-dominated economy, and the need for positive visions in the age of abundance.

01:13:58

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Episode guests

Noah Smith

Nathan Labenz

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

AI's impact on job markets raises concerns about job displacement and income uncertainty.

Comparative advantage theory suggests humans will find lucrative work despite AI advancements.

The need for a new social contract is emphasized amidst fears of job obsolescence in an AI-dominated world.

Deep dives

Comparative Advantage in VC Fundraising

VC fundraising success in 2024 is not solely determined by performance. Most LPs can't assess VCs until their third or fourth fund, seven to eight years in. The key to raising billions lies in exploring the opaque space of LP navigation with interviews from industry experts like Michael Kim, Besar Clarkson, and Chris Dubos.

Embrace Comparative Advantage in a Well-Functioning Economy

01:02

Introduction

3min

The Future Impact of AI on Work and Society

17min

Exploring Concerns and Optimism Around AI's Impact on Tasks and Human Roles

4min

Navigating AI Disruption in the Economy

13min

Navigating AI Impact on Wages and Workforce

27min

Navigating AI's Impact on Society

10min

Exploring the Need for Positive Visions of the Future in the Age of Abundance

3min

This week on Upstream, Erik is joined by Nathan Labenz and Noah Smith for a deep dive on how AI will impact job markets, the social contract, and the role of the government. Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:50) AI and the Future of Employment

(03:57) The Intersection of AI, Robotics, and Biotech

(05:00) Economic Disruption

(06:40) Future of Jobs in an AI-Dominated World

(08:27) AI's Impact on Economy

(10:34) Pessimism Surrounding AI's Economic Impact

(12:17) Comparative Advantage in the AI Era

(13:50) AI Replacing Human Jobs