Mark Cuban suggests that the Trump administration may have indirectly implemented a form of universal basic income through tax-advantaged health savings account (HSA) contributions, which provide eligible individuals with roughly $200 per month in accessible funds, sparking debate about whether this constitutes a hidden UBI. Critics argue the structure benefits the more comfortable and has limitations, while Cuban sees it as a soft safety net for lower-income Americans.
The Marshall Islands has launched the world's first national universal basic income scheme offering payments via cryptocurrency and traditional methods, aiming to support citizens amid rising costs. The program, funded by a US-backed trust, provides quarterly payments of about $200, with most recipients choosing bank deposits or checks, and a small number opting for digital wallets. While innovative, the scheme faces challenges related to internet connectivity and governance, and its long-term success remains uncertain.
Elon Musk predicts that advancements in AI and robotics will make work and salaries obsolete within 10 to 20 years, leading to a future where money loses its relevance as basic needs are met without human labor, though government intervention like universal basic income may be necessary to manage wealth distribution.
Joe Rogan discussed a future on his podcast where advanced technology and robots take over jobs, allowing Americans to receive a substantial universal basic income. He envisions this shift enabling people to pursue their passions and interests without financial worries, though it would require a cultural emphasis on finding purpose beyond traditional work.
Elon Musk predicts that AI will eventually take over all jobs, making work optional and turning it into a hobby. He suggests that the government will need to provide a universal high income to support this job-free future. Musk also raises concerns about emotional fulfillment in a world where AI performs all tasks better than humans.
Elon Musk shared a dystopian vision of the future at the Viva Technology Conference, predicting a world where AI replaces human jobs, leading to universal high income but a lack of purpose in life. He referenced science fiction influences and expressed concerns about AI's impact on truth-seeking and political correctness. Musk's comments highlight the existential and economic challenges posed by advanced AI technologies.
Some of the most popular global stories of 2023 include research challenging hunter-gatherer gender stereotypes, a study on the effectiveness of a universal basic income in Kenya, the positive impact of greetings from strangers, the use of artificial intelligence to create images, and the unconventional philanthropy of MacKenzie Scott.
The first findings from a universal basic income experiment in Kenya, conducted by charity GiveDirectly, have been released. The study provided cash grants of $50 per month for 12 years to thousands of villagers, comparing their outcomes to control groups. The results showed that giving cash aid in a lump sum had major advantages, with recipients starting more businesses and earning higher revenues compared to those receiving monthly installments. The study also found that the universal nature of the aid increased its impact, and the grants did not fuel inflation. The long-term effects of lump-sum payments are still being studied.
A study conducted by the charity GiveDirectly in Kenya, providing a "universal basic income" of $50 per month for 12 years, has shown promising results in fighting poverty. The study found that giving cash aid in a lump sum had major advantages, with recipients starting more businesses and earning higher revenues compared to those receiving monthly installments. Additionally, the study revealed that the longer the duration of the income, the more people were able to invest in their enterprises. The study also highlighted the positive impact of providing aid universally to every adult in a village, which increased investment in businesses and did not fuel inflation. However, the long-term effects of lump-sum payments are still unknown, and further research is needed to determine if the benefits endure over time.
A new study on universal basic income suggests that while monthly cash payments are beneficial for immediate assistance, lump-sum payments may be more effective in helping those in need build long-term wealth. The study, conducted in Kenya, compared the impacts of different types of direct payments and found that a one-time $500 payment had more lasting effects on recipients' earnings and access to education. However, the study also noted that lump-sum payments had the smallest positive impact on mental health. The research highlights the need for tailored approaches in designing cash transfer programs to meet basic needs and support transformative changes in the lives of people living in extreme poverty.
Independent think tank Autonomy has published plans for a two-year trial of a universal basic income (UBI) in the UK, which would see 30 people receive £1,600 ($1,983) each month. The trial would cost an estimated £1.15m and would assess the impact of UBI on participants' lives. A separate group would be monitored to understand the difference in their experiences. The trial would take place in two areas of the UK, with participants selected at random. UBI has been proposed as a way to alleviate poverty and take pressure off social security systems.
Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of Google-owned AI lab DeepMind, has warned that the rise of advanced artificial intelligence will result in significant job losses and a large number of unhappy workers. He suggested that governments consider ways to support those who lose their jobs due to AI, including the implementation of a universal basic income. Experts say AI could boost productivity and global GDP, but also put 300 million full-time jobs at risk of automation.
