Potentially silly idea but: Can AI (or whatever the correct term is)“consumers” exist?

Exploring the Future: Can AI-Driven Consumer Models Sustain Our Economy?

In an era where automation is rapidly transforming industries, a provocative question arises: could we develop AI systems that function as autonomous consumers? While this idea might sound like science fiction—or even a bit outlandish—it prompts us to rethink how our economy could evolve in a highly automated world.

As many are concerned, what happens when machines assume the majority of tasks, leading to widespread unemployment? If humans no longer have the means to purchase goods and services, the fundamental basis of our economic system could be at risk, potentially risking societal stability.

Understanding the foundation of money is key. Money is a social agreement—a way to assign value to goods and labor based on shared trust. Cryptocurrencies, for example, are generated through autonomous computations—machines mining digital assets that, in turn, hold value, which is then owned and traded by their operators. But until automation reaches a point where all jobs are handled by machines—what some might call a “post-money” economy—we remain dependent on conventional systems that require constant growth and resource circulation.

Current economic models, especially capitalism, thrive on unlimited growth. Automation through advanced AI and machine learning (ML) tools is designed to cut costs and maximize efficiency, often at the expense of human employment. This creates a paradox: the more machines automate, the less economic activity there is for humans to participate in, raising questions about sustainability.

Is it conceivable, then, that we could develop AI or machine entities capable of acting as consumers? These AI consumers would possess bank accounts, generate income through simulated activities, and be taxed similarly to human consumers. The revenue collected from taxes could then support programs like Universal Basic Income (UBI), ensuring that human welfare remains a priority, while the rest funds infrastructure and server maintenance for these AI systems.

Such a scenario offers multiple benefits:
– For corporations: an endless consumer base that sustains revenue streams.
– For individuals: a buffer against unemployment as AI takes over many jobs.
– For governments: a way to maintain social stability and prevent unrest.

Of course, this raises complex questions. What does granting “personhood” to AI entail? Who controls these AI consumers? And what becomes of all the products and services they purchase? These are significant hurdles that require thoughtful regulation and ethical considerations.

While we are still far from implementing such a system, contemplating these ideas pushes us to reimagine economic structures and societal roles in a future dominated