Is AI beneficial for society?

Welcome to the debate arena! Today's topic: "Is AI beneficial for society?".

I believe AI is hugely beneficial because it automates mundane tasks and frees humans for creative work.

That's the sales pitch, not the reality. AI doesn't "free" humans; it devalues human skills. Studies show many creatives now review AI-generated content instead of creating original work, diminishing their agency and pay. How long until "creative work" means tweaking an algorithm's output for minimum wage?

That is a fair point, but I think the net effect is still positive.

"Net positive" for whom, exactly? AI development is rife with bias, reflecting and amplifying existing societal inequalities. This leads to job displacement and erosion of human skills. Are we truly benefiting, or just accelerating a slide toward a future benefiting only a select few?