Antony West (Author)

Automation is often presented as an unqualified good, promising increased efficiency, productivity, and a future where humans are freed from tedious labour. Yet, this relentless drive for automation can create an illusion of progress, masking significant societal costs. While some jobs are indeed improved, others are eliminated, leading to economic displacement and the need for widespread reskilling. The focus on automated solutions can also devalue human skills, creativity, and craftsmanship, leading to a loss of meaning in work. Furthermore, complex automated systems can introduce new vulnerabilities and ethical dilemmas, especially when critical decisions are outsourced to algorithms without sufficient human oversight. Is true progress solely about automation, or should it prioritise human flourishing and resilience? What’s one area where you think automation has not led to true progress?