Tech-onomy: Will AI Eliminate or Enforce Economic Inequalities?

Joud Baddawi

March 27th, 2023

GPT-4 is the latest language model by OpenAI. But unlike its previous releases, access to GPT-4 is a paid-for service. Nevertheless, many people found ways to utilize OpenAI's models to make money and are sharing them in viral videos online. This makes us question what the relationship between AI and money will look like, and whether AI will help eliminate economic inequalities or enforce them.

The release of GPT-4 was a new milestone in the journey of advancing AI language models. The ongoing evolution of AI has changed how we understand and interact with technology, and shifted our perspectives to always expect more.

GPT-4, unlike ChatGPT 3 or previous models, is only available as a paid-for service, raising questions about who and what we are developing AI for. On one hand, monetizing and commercializing AI might become necessary to fund research and development of it. On the other hand, this can reinforce economic inequalities and create a knowledge gap between those who can afford to access GPT-4 and those who cannot.

In other news, many users have found ways to create money off AI models. These individuals are sharing their experiences and tips in viral videos online, exploring the potential for AI to generate income and create new economic opportunities.

But we still question AI's stance on economic inequalities. Free-to-use AI models can help those who cannot access resources and information normally due to financial hardship. For example, ChatGPT was used to create chatbots that can provide customer service 24/7, leveling the playing field for small businesses and larger enterprises that have more resources when it comes to customer service. AI can also help identify and address systemic biases in job opportunities and employment, reducing discrimination and increasing diversity.

However, AI could also worsen existing economic inequalities. Allowing the benefits of developing AI to be exclusive to the elite starts with making access to AI models a paid-for service. According to a study done by the European Parliamentary Research Service, AI dangers include widening the gap between developed and developing countries, increasing inequality and pushing down wages.

In conclusion, the release of a monetized GPT-4 and the ability of individuals to use AI models to generate income complex the relationship between AI and our already economically complicated society. While AI is able to create new economic opportunities and level the playing field, it can also deepen existing inequalities and power imbalances. As we continue to navigate this journey of advancing AI, it is important to create a balance between innovation, accessibility, and social responsibility to ensure that AI benefits all of society.