Progressives tend to be resistant to progressive technologies, including cryptocurrency and AI, despite their potential to improve equality and accessibility. The most recent Unchained episode covers how the common fear of change drives this resistance, which appears to contradict progressive values.
Why Cryptocurrency and AI Are Considered Progressive Technologies
The speaker on Unchained put it plainly: cryptocurrency is as much a democratizing force in today’s financial world as anything else. It gives individuals the ability to access their finances in real time, no matter where they are or what their background may be. Through direct control and transfer of funds, one need not depend on the old ways of traditional banking; in doing so, the barriers that have kept many out of the system for lack of inclusion are dismantled.
Then there is artificial intelligence, which the speaker views as an instrument of social equality. AI is quickly leveling the playing field when it comes to education and information. Where there were once closed doors for those without the right connections or means, AI now has the capacity to offer training and open up new avenues for learning.
The Paradox of Progressive Opposition
One would not expect it, but progressives are often at odds with progressive technology. The speaker attributes this to a fear of change. It is a curious thing for those who champion social equality and opportunity to view the latest innovations as hazardous disruptions instead of means of empowerment. On Unchained, it has been discussed how this runs counter to their stated aim of curbing inequality.
Take blockchain or AI: where one might see an opportunity to put access in the hands of the people, many progressives will focus on what could go wrong. There is often a legitimate desire to protect clients and consumers that underpins such skepticism, but in the end it can stifle adoption and deny the advantages these tools could offer to communities that need them most.
Balancing Protection and Progress
Speaking on the matter, Unchained made a point of how vital client protections are, yet issued a caveat against letting overzealous caution stand in the way of technology. There is no question that users must be shielded from harm, but an undue amount of resistance will only keep society from reaping what innovations such as AI and cryptocurrency have to offer.
In fact, with the right kind of on-the-job training and greater financial access, these tools are well suited to closing opportunity gaps. The problem is often a fear of the new. If people can be shown the genuine value of such developments and the risks are managed responsibly, it may well win over more forward-thinking factions to their cause.
Source — Unchained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVexPccnyl8