Robo-apocalypse cancelled?
Klein S, Watson-Manheim MB
Abstract
Willcocks (2020) aims to call attention to the problematicpublic discourse on artificial intelligence (AI), and shortcomingsin the literature on employment effects of technologyand the ensuing transformation of work. He offers notonly relevant points of critique but works towards reframingthe debate about technologies' impact on work. We joinhim in this effort, however, we challenge him to deepen andsharpen his arguments. Moreover, we are uncomfortablewith his style as it undermines the very credibility that wesee as crucial to the ability of academia to contribute topublic discourse.In this commentary we examine what we find to be thetwo main contributions of his article and attempt to expandthese perspectives to set the stage for a more nuanced view.