Can A.I. Be Pro-Worker?
The New Yorker
by John CassidyMarch 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Recent weeks have seen investor concerns over AI’s impact on jobs sending shockwaves through Wall Street, with fears of widespread white-collar unemployment spurring market volatility. However, experts argue that while AI is powerful, it can be shaped to benefit workers rather than replace them, challenging the notion of technological determinism.
Historically, technology has been molded by human decisions to prioritize worker welfare. Early industrialization led to factory legislation improving conditions, and labor unions ensured productivity gains translated into better wages and benefits. Economists Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson emphasize that while we can’t halt progress, we can direct it towards pro-worker outcomes, as seen in past economic transformations.
The report "Building Pro-Worker AI" by Acemoglu, Johnson, and David Autor outlines policies to ensure AI enhances human expertise. For instance, Schneider Electric’s Electrician’s Assistant (EA) uses AI to assist electricians with diagnostics and documentation, cutting task time by half. Such tools demonstrate how AI can augment rather than replace workers, fostering productivity without job loss.
This shift matters culturally as it reframes AI from a threat to a tool for empowerment. By shaping AI's development to prioritize human well-being, societies can harness technology to create more equitable and sustainable futures.
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Originally published on The New Yorker on 3/2/2026