As AI develops, the society of the future may be pulled toward one of two extremes: communism or Cyberpunk 2077.

In the former, productive capacity is liberated on an enormous scale, and people’s standard of living rises substantially. (I’ll leave it at that, or I’m afraid this might not make it past moderation.)

In the latter, a handful of technology companies control most of society’s resources. Only a tiny number of people have access to the most advanced AI and other technologies and are able to achieve something approaching “mechanical ascension,” while most people are left with only weak, second-rate AI.

Moving from one social class to another would become harder and harder: you would first need access to the strongest AI in order to climb the class ladder, creating a self-reinforcing trap.

Suppose Anthropic were to retain control of the most advanced AI in the world indefinitely.

Which way do you think society would go—communism or 2077?

Take a guess.