The advancement of robots and computers has led to concerns about mass unemployment in the future, but economists are skeptical that this will happen, as history has shown that new technology creates new jobs. However, automation may worsen economic inequality, and it is up to governments to decide how to manage the disruptions caused by technology and globalization. The focus on the potential risks of robots taking jobs may cause us to overlook the things within our control to address these challenges.
Sure, here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Robots and computers have advanced significantly in the past decade.
2. Computers can now win games like chess and Jeopardy.
3. There's concern about the potential for robots to take over jobs, leading to unemployment.
4. Economists have a different view on this issue compared to futurists and Silicon Valley experts.
5. Historical instances of automation causing job concerns have been noted.
6. Automation in the past led to job displacement, but new jobs emerged in different industries.
7. The indirect effects of labor-saving inventions play a crucial role in creating new jobs.
8. Productivity growth has slowed down since the early 2000s.
9. Technology's impact on the economy may not necessarily change job numbers but could worsen economic inequality.
10. Government policies play a significant role in shaping the impact of technology on jobs.
These are the key factual points from the text without including opinions or speculations.