How AI Is Impacting Politics & Accelerating the Need For UBI w/ Andrew Yang | EP #61

Added: Sep 2, 2023

AI in Politics and the Threat of Deep Fakes

Peter Diamandis raises the issue of AI disruptors and deep fakes in the upcoming US election cycle. Andrew Yang, the guest on the show, acknowledges that AI-generated deep fakes could play a significant role in the next election, but not in a positive way. He explains that the ability to create convincing and fabricated images and videos at zero cost poses a serious threat to the integrity of the election process. Yang believes that the US government is not adequately prepared to address this issue and that there will likely be significant damage before any meaningful action is taken.

Fixing American Democracy

Yang's main focus in this podcast episode is on fixing American democracy. He argues that the current political system is dysfunctional and does not effectively solve meaningful problems. He highlights the problem of the two-party system, which has become increasingly polarized and dominated by extreme factions. Yang proposes an intermediate moonshot of fixing American democracy before addressing other issues like poverty eradication.

Getting Rid of Party Primaries

Yang suggests that one way to fix American democracy is by getting rid of party primaries. He explains that the founding fathers did not envision a two-party system and that the current system is not representative of the diverse population. Yang points out that most elected officials spend a significant amount of time dialing for dollars, which leaves little room for addressing the systemic problems of the political system. He proposes a solution where ballot initiatives in each state could eliminate party primaries, allowing independent candidates to compete on an equal footing with party-affiliated candidates.

Implementing Smartphone Voting

To make the democratic process more accessible and efficient, Yang suggests implementing smartphone voting. He envisions a system where voters can vote for their preferred candidate using their smartphones, with their votes verified through personalized QR codes sent to their mailing addresses. Yang believes that the technology for this kind of voting is mature and that it would allow for greater participation and engagement in the democratic process.

The Independent Primary

Yang introduces the concept of an independent primary, where candidates from various backgrounds and affiliations can compete for the presidency. He mentions figures like Mark Cuban, Tony Robbins, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos as potential candidates. The independent primary would allow voters to choose from a diverse range of candidates, breaking free from the limitations of the two-party system. Yang suggests that this process could be facilitated through a digital platform, where voters can vote for their preferred candidate using their smartphones.

Mark Cuban and Tony Robbins

Yang mentions Mark Cuban and Tony Robbins multiple times throughout the podcast episode. He sees them as potential candidates in the independent primary and believes that their involvement would attract more high-profile individuals to participate in the political process. Yang acknowledges that many accomplished individuals have considered running for political office but have been discouraged by the irrationality and dysfunction of the current system. He believes that by creating a more inclusive and fair process, more qualified and capable individuals would be willing to participate in politics.

Universal Basic Income

Yang discusses the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a solution to the potential job displacement caused by advancements in AI, robotics, and other exponential technologies. UBI is the idea of providing a reliable income to individuals to help them meet their basic needs and maintain a sense of dignity and security. It aims to alleviate the fear and uncertainty that may arise as technology disrupts traditional job markets.

Yang emphasizes the importance of transitioning to a mindset of abundance, optimism, and entrepreneurship, rather than one of scarcity and fear. He believes that UBI can help people upskill and adapt to the changing job landscape, while also providing them with the means to invest in their education, start small businesses, and pursue their passions.

The concept of UBI is not just theoretical; it has been implemented and tested in numerous experiments around the world. Yang cites examples such as the enhanced child tax credit in the United States, which lifted millions of American children out of poverty and had positive effects on various social indicators such as domestic violence and child abuse.

Critics of UBI argue that people will misuse the money and spend it on frivolous things like beer and Netflix. However, the data shows that people tend to spend the money on essential needs such as food, shelter, education, and activities for their children. Yang also highlights the potential cost savings of implementing UBI, as it can reduce the expenses associated with homelessness, incarceration, and other social issues.

To fund UBI, Yang suggests exploring options such as taxing AI and robotics that replace human jobs. He also proposes a data dividend, where individuals receive a cut of the profits generated from their personal data. Additionally, he points out that the cost of living is expected to decrease as technology demonetizes various goods and services, such as healthcare, education, and transportation.

Breakthroughs in Science and Technology

Diamandis and Yang discuss the incredible breakthroughs happening in science and technology that are shaping the future. They mention exponential technologies such as AI, 3D printing, synthetic biology, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and blockchain. These technologies have the potential to transform various industries and empower entrepreneurs to create innovative solutions to the world's grand challenges.

Yang emphasizes the importance of embracing a mindset of abundance and possibility in the face of technological advancements. He believes that these breakthroughs can lead to a future of abundance, where the cost of goods and services decreases, and people have more time and resources to pursue their passions and contribute to society.

Entrepreneurs Solving the World's Grand Challenges

Yang highlights the role of entrepreneurs in solving the world's grand challenges. He believes that entrepreneurs have the ability to drive innovation and create positive change. By leveraging exponential technologies and embracing a mindset of abundance, entrepreneurs can tackle issues such as poverty, climate change, healthcare, and education.

Yang suggests that society should support and incentivize entrepreneurs who are working on solutions to these challenges. He also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and creating a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs to thrive.

Breakthroughs in Longevity

Diamandis and Yang discuss the breakthroughs happening in the field of longevity. They mention advancements in biotechnology and age reversal that have the potential to extend human lifespan and improve health span. These breakthroughs can have significant implications for healthcare and quality of life.

Yang believes that the future of longevity lies in leveraging AI and other exponential technologies to develop personalized treatments and interventions. He emphasizes the importance of investing in research and development to accelerate progress in this field.

Exponential Technologies Transforming Our World

Diamandis and Yang discuss how exponential technologies are transforming various aspects of our world. They mention AI's potential to revolutionize industries such as healthcare, transportation, and education. They also discuss the impact of 3D printing, synthetic biology, AR, VR, and blockchain on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Yang highlights the need for regulatory reform to ensure that these technologies can be effectively implemented and benefit society. He also emphasizes the importance of managing the transition and ensuring that individuals are equipped with the skills and resources to adapt to the changing job landscape.