Unequal and Class Divisions Created by AI - The Direction of Open AI

AI is an irreversible change.

Today, artificial intelligence (AI) has established itself not as a choice but as an irreversible change that is reshaping work and society as a whole. Technologies that were considered science fiction just a few years ago have become a reality, and this change raises fundamental questions about human roles and values beyond mere technological advancement. Analysis tasks that once took a week can now be completed in just two days using AI. Particularly in research, policy analysis, and tasks that require high-level thinking, AI is demonstrating remarkable performance. The response time to inquiries is only 2 to 3 seconds, and through conversational interfaces, humans now have the foundation for deeper thinking and discussion. As we witness this change, we must acknowledge an important fact: this transformation is irreversible. Within the next five years, by 2030, AI will replace or optimize much of human labor and will no longer be a technology used in exceptional cases but a prerequisite for work. Ultimately, the judgment that 'it is better to leave this task to AI' will become a natural criterion for business decisions.

AI is an 'engine' that operates unfairly.

AI is like a propulsion engine that can be attached to human abilities. While anyone can install this engine, only a limited number of individuals can leverage its output. Some people use AI to progress at rates of 10 times, or even 30 times, creating results in an entirely different dimension, while others, with the same AI, manage to only take a few steps forward. Thus, AI is essentially a power device that accelerates human capabilities, but the issue is that a significant gap arises between those who can skillfully handle this engine and those who cannot. In the past, the difference in individual talents was 3 to 5 times however, in the era aided by AI, that difference can widen to 30, or even more than 100 times. An even bigger problem is for those who cannot even install this 'AI engine.' For those without access to the digital environment or lacking understanding of technology, AI is as good as an unexisting technology. For them, even if they want to speed up, they are left to run solely with their legs. In this way, AI is not just a simple tool but a decisive variable that can accelerate or stagnate individual abilities. Depending on whose hands the same tool is placed in, the gap can become immeasurable. Ultimately, AI does not serve as a mechanism for equally enhancing abilities, but rather it can become an engine that accelerates imbalance.

Accessibility is not just about simple usage training.

A common mistake in the adoption of digital technology is to focus solely on "training for usage." For example, when a kiosk replaces a person at a community center, if the elderly individuals cannot effectively use it, the immediate thought is that "we need to teach them how to use the kiosk." However, this is a solution that misses the essence. True accessibility includes maintaining existing analog methods. There should still be someone available to assist those who cannot use technology, or a counter where documents can be issued on paper. It is not just about teaching how to use the machine, but ensuring that there are alternative pathways to receive services without having to use the machine. The same goes for AI. While training for those who can effectively utilize AI is certainly important, alternative routes must also be maintained for those who are completely unable to access it. We must not forget that digital inclusion lies in ensuring the diversity of pathways rather than the equal distribution of technology.

AI is fundamentally changing the way we work.

Using AI in the workplace fundamentally changes the quality and speed of work. For example, in tasks like research or paper analysis, AI goes beyond simple summarization, performing tasks that would typically require significant time and effort from humans, such as logical reasoning, identifying key issues, and proposing follow-up research, all within minutes. A particularly noteworthy AI tool, NotebookLM, reconfigures papers or lengthy articles into a conversational format. This allows users to listen to and understand content like an audiobook while on the go, fundamentally transforming the way knowledge is consumed. Additionally, with just a smartphone and earphones, learning becomes possible anytime and anywhere, breaking down the constraints of space and time. Moreover, models like Claude and GPT-4 structure text, respond contextually to questions, and act as discussion partners on complex topics. They function not merely as simple summarizers but as intellectual conversation partners and aides in organizing thoughts.

AI gives you the freedom to ask questions.

Another strength of utilizing AI is that there is no pressure when asking questions. Humans often feel ashamed of their ignorance and miss learning opportunities due to their inability to ask basic questions. However, AI never judges or dismisses. It responds to even the most primitive questions or repetitive requests with the same tone and attitude every time. This environment provides a safe space for users to freely ask questions and conduct creative experiments. It even accepts odd questions or nonsensical requests, offering opportunities to explore various scenarios. These characteristics make AI not just a simple tool, but a fearless learning partner.

In the era of AI, two efforts must be pursued concurrently.

The changes brought about by AI cannot be rejected. Rather, what we need to focus on now is how to effectively utilize this technology and ensure that no one is excluded. Firstly, there is an urgent need for education and practice to improve AI literacy. We must read books, watch YouTube videos, and gain experience by actually using AI. Furthermore, a tailored education system that caters to various generations and professions is needed. Secondly, analog pathways for those who do not use AI must also be maintained. Digital inclusion involves not only access to technology but also creating a structure where individuals do not face disadvantages for not using technology. It is important to design social systems that ensure services are provided to those who cannot use AI and that jobs can be maintained.

Conclusion: AI opens possibilities and creates gaps

AI is not just a technology. It is an engine that accelerates human capabilities and, at the same time, a variable that can widen social gaps. Understanding this dual nature properly and creating a structure for both those who can effectively utilize technology and those who cannot is the core challenge of the AI era. We are living in a time where we can think faster and deeper through AI. However, at the same time, no one should be marginalized by this technology. AI must be open to everyone, and everyone should be able to approach it without fear. This is the true 'accessibility' of the AI era and a condition for the future we must create together. At this point, it is essential to reiterate an important direction. AI must be an open technology. This is not merely a matter of transparency or ease of use, but a principle that access must be available without discrimination based on economic capability, region, status, educational level, or any other conditions. The moment AI becomes the exclusive property of a certain class, it becomes exclusion rather than innovation. Creating a foundation that everyone can use equally, lowering the barriers to technology, and maintaining both digital literacy and analog pathways are the conditions that make technology serve people.

Technology should belong to everyone, not just to anyone.

AI is especially so. We stand before the responsibility to ensure that this immense potential evolves in a way that embraces more people and excludes no one. Only then will AI be established as a technology of hope rather than fear, and of connection rather than division.