There was an experiment done in South Africa where people actually worked harder and used the extra money to, say, start businesses (I'll find the link later). But, of course, their circumstances are very different than ours and I can see why they were motivated rather just sit around and do nothing.
For UBI to work right now it would need to be a supplement to one's income and not a substitute/replacement for a living wage. Thus, you would still need to work. For instance, you'd get, say, $500 a month in UBI. Then, would some people just work fewer hours now because they're getting $500 in UBI? I'm sure there would be some, but I'm inclined to think people would continue to work like they have been (maybe for those who needed to work two jobs to live would quit or work less in the 2nd job; improving quality of life) and the hope is people use that additional time/money productively (start a business; save and invest; learn a new skill/trade, etc.). But, some people may just spend the additional dough on strippers and escorts, lol.
Automation is a big threat and those in tech esp know this. This is why guys like Musk and Zuckerberg have said UBI in some form should be explored/experimented, as others have already mentioned. In the end, companies want to minimize labour costs (e.g., the prevelance of self-checkouts).
That's why right now I think computer science/engineering (people devloping this stuff) and trades (plumbers, electricians, etc.) are the way to go, esp if you're young; IMO, it's going to be long time before trades are automated, if ever (but never say never).
For UBI to work right now it would need to be a supplement to one's income and not a substitute/replacement for a living wage. Thus, you would still need to work. For instance, you'd get, say, $500 a month in UBI. Then, would some people just work fewer hours now because they're getting $500 in UBI? I'm sure there would be some, but I'm inclined to think people would continue to work like they have been (maybe for those who needed to work two jobs to live would quit or work less in the 2nd job; improving quality of life) and the hope is people use that additional time/money productively (start a business; save and invest; learn a new skill/trade, etc.). But, some people may just spend the additional dough on strippers and escorts, lol.
Automation is a big threat and those in tech esp know this. This is why guys like Musk and Zuckerberg have said UBI in some form should be explored/experimented, as others have already mentioned. In the end, companies want to minimize labour costs (e.g., the prevelance of self-checkouts).
That's why right now I think computer science/engineering (people devloping this stuff) and trades (plumbers, electricians, etc.) are the way to go, esp if you're young; IMO, it's going to be long time before trades are automated, if ever (but never say never).