Submitted by nousomuchoesto t3_11cnho9 in Futurology
Heap_Good_Firewater t1_ja4h7tp wrote
>Possible collapse:
Humans have survived worse (WW2, The Great Depression, etc.). We are more vulnerable nowadays, as we are more interconnected and our food supply relies heavily on information and electricity. Basically, not worth worrying about. If it happens, you're screwed, but it probably won't happen (outside of a few countries here and there). It's like the possibility of an asteroid hitting. It's best not to think about it.
>Climate change
This will happen (is happening), and the only question is how bad it will be. My guess is that we will avoid the most catastrophic outcome (4+ degrees of warming), but there will still be degradation to the environment, reduced standard of living, and it will negatively impact outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, scuba diving, etc. This video might make you feel better:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxgMdjyw8uw
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>Economy:
The economy was far worse overall in the 1930s and 1970s, but there are still serious problems. The main problems now include government debt and an affordability crisis for housing. Demographics are also pointing to slower growth globally. Save as much money as you can, and diversify your investments (no more than 5% of your net worth in a single asset).
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>AI :
I personally don't see super-human AI becoming available in the next 30 years, at least. But specialized AIs that can exceed human capabilities are here now (or they soon will be). At first, AI will mostly be a tool to replace tasks, not jobs. People will become more productive, and jobs will be less tedious. At some point, major job losses may occur, but I think you have at least 10 years to plan for this.
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>everything seems to be worsening
There are a few worrying trends, and no shortage of problems, but the world is still a better place to live now than at almost any other time in human history. Would you rather worry about a robot taking your job or work in an unsafe factory 6 days a week? That would have been your likely career 100 years ago.
Climate change is getting worse, but air and water pollution are much smaller problems in the rich world than they were in the 1970s. Racism and poverty are also far less impactful than in the past. Don't ignore legitimate problems, but don't focus on despair. That's no way to live.
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