Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk told a Washington, D.C. audience that artificial intelligence could eventually make work optional, likening future labor to a hobby like gardening. He suggested the shift might occur over a decade or two and envisioned many tasks being performed remotely, like playing a video game. While acknowledging the disruptive impact of automation on employment, Musk claimed that the technology could ultimately eliminate poverty. Critics note the boldness of his claim and question the lack of concrete plans to help workers transition. Read more →

The rise of robots and AI in retail, food service, and delivery is shrinking entry‑level jobs that traditionally gave teenagers their first work experience. While machine vision and automation have improved, they are replacing tasks such as shelf‑scanning, stocking, and even food delivery. This shift moves compensation from workers to owners and leaves young people without the financial literacy and interpersonal skills gained from early employment. The article argues that the current push toward automation offers little benefit to consumers while exacerbating income inequality and limiting career pathways for the next generation. Read more →