I’m just as worried as the next guy about the negative implications of AI. While I’m a long-term optimist, I have high confidence that we’re about to go through a rough period, with unpleasant labor markets, class clashes, enshittification of the consumer experience, and so on. However, I’m not in denial. I can clearly see why this will happen. It’s a combination of a technology that is incredibly capable and improving fast, with a world economy trying to absorb and adapt to this change.

Meanwhile, every AI post on HN seems to display a lot of denial. Many here seem convinced that AI won’t compete with their current jobs. Arguments are made about current capability gaps, instead of rate of improvement. People talk about how they don’t like AI, or don’t like working with AI, or how employers are mean and selfish for pushing AI or doing layoffs.

I find that viewpoint shortsighted. Regardless of how one feels, it’s better to have a more accurate understanding of the future than a less accurate one. I wish people were more inclined to understand why and how things are changing, and make personal decisions, including voting or going to work on AI safety, instead of just being upset about it.

Am I reading the room wrong? I don’t get the same vibes on other tech communities.