During a recent speech at the Florida Rural Economic Development Summit, Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his concerns about the implications of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly for rural communities. Addressing a friendly crowd, DeSantis covered various topics, emphasizing the potential downsides of AI alongside its anticipated benefits.
“Whoever’s saying how great it’s going to be, there’s going to be big pitfalls too. I mean at best, right?” DeSantis remarked, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding AI’s rapid advancement. He raised alarms that as AI technologies evolve, people may struggle to discern reality, leading to a societal landscape where “people don’t even know what’s real.”
DeSantis particularly noted concerns regarding job displacement, stating, “As AI advances, that it’s going to really undercut a lot of jobs. I don’t think that’s a good thing.” His stance leads him to question the rationale behind government subsidies for AI, asking, “Why would we subsidize something that could potentially cause problems for folks?” This perspective reflects a growing apprehension among policymakers regarding the societal implications of AI technologies as they become more integrated into various sectors.
In a lighter moment, DeSantis shared that his children do not appreciate the AI-generated songs created by his wife, First Lady Casey DeSantis, about family outings, perhaps illustrating the broader skepticism some may feel toward AI-generated content.
Despite his cautionary notes on AI, DeSantis took pride in his administration’s focus on rural infrastructure investments, citing his extensive travel across all 67 counties in Florida—an unprecedented move for a candidate. He reflected on encounters with residents who expressed gratitude for his presence, saying, “I remember going to some of the counties … a lady just pinched me and it’s like, ‘I’ve never seen a Governor before come to these parts.’”
He asserted that the effectiveness of investments is amplified in rural areas, stating, “The money goes a lot further when you’re helping with things in rural Florida. People appreciate it. They remember that you showed up and you took an interest in their community.” This emphasis on community engagement aligns with his broader political narrative of prioritizing often-overlooked regions in Florida.
Although his remarks stirred a conversation about the future of AI in relation to employment and societal stability, DeSantis did not entertain questions from the press after his speech, leaving room for speculation about how these policies may shape Florida’s technological landscape.
As AI continues to evolve, the concerns raised by DeSantis reflect a larger dialogue within both political and technological circles about balancing innovation with societal well-being, especially for vulnerable communities. The implications of AI advancements will likely be a pivotal topic for policymakers, technologists, and citizens alike.
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