“Techno lords” and “digital peasants”?

Studies show that most individuals would prefer to be slightly poorer if it reduced wealth disparities with their neighbors. Evolutionarily programmed to compete for status and pass on our genes, humans often choose to lower their standard of living rather than become richer in a context of greater inequality.

The AI era will test society’s tolerance for unequal growth, unleashing power and wealth disparities beyond anything we’ve witnessed before. The fortunes of new trillionaires will seem neo-feudal, making the opulent lifestyle of Versailles appear modest by comparison.

As AI divides the world between haves and have-nots, the new tech lords will wield AI as their scepter of influence and absolute power. Meanwhile, digital peasants will navigate an algorithmic wilderness, enslaved to the addictive AI products and services provided by the ever-powerful techno lords. (As in "Technological Lords"—although "Techno Lords" partying to techno music in castles also applies.)

Public anger and calls for equality will intensify. We should anticipate a new rise of torches and pitchforks. I must admit, the moment I saw Tesla launch its bulletproof steel Cybertruck, I thought: “Elon is clearly thinking ahead, anticipating the upcoming social disruption.”