This morning on my way to work, I heard a segment that made me start to reflect and feel anxious. The segment asked everyone in the comments what we could do if we were all replaced by robots. Some people suggested that we let robots serve us, but I believe we can still engage in activities that provide emotional value and happiness. The meaning of our lives should be stress-free, exploring the beauty of the world. However, especially for those of us born in the 80s and 90s, who are the main force in today’s society, we have little opportunity to catch our breath. We have experienced SARS, gone through a pandemic, and are currently facing a downturn in various industries, with many people around us experiencing layoffs and unemployment.
So sometimes I think, if we are really replaced by robots and our country’s productivity and manufacturing capabilities are significantly advanced, wouldn’t our lives be of higher quality and more meaningful? Could we live the life we aspire to, where life, family, and work are not in conflict? Could we, like in other countries, only need to go to work once a week, with a greater emphasis on employee comfort when we do go to the office?
I imagine that in such an era, our citizens would experience less depression, teenagers would be more vibrant, the elderly would enjoy peaceful later years, and both young and middle-aged people could feel the essence of life, which is to enjoy the company of family and the self-worth derived from work. It is about experiencing the growth of all things and the changes of the four seasons, rather than being overwhelmed by the feeling of powerlessness that comes from being forced by life to be busy. We often feel guilty for taking a day off, as if only by working can we find peace of mind.
Regardless of robots, artificial intelligence, or AI technology, I believe I should first enrich myself, making my thoughts richer and broader. Society is progressing, and as a member of today’s society, we cannot stand still; we must adapt to the changes in society and embrace the present. I hope that in the future, our lives will be easier and more beautiful.