A groundbreaking study from OpenResearch sheds light on the benefits of universal basic income, a topic that has gained traction in recent years as automation threatens to disrupt the job market. Funded by OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman, the study conducted a three-year trial involving 3,000 participants in Texas and Illinois who received a monthly stipend. Initial findings suggest that recipients spent the money on basic needs, medical care, and helping others, indicating the potential positive impact of unconditional cash assistance.
Researchers collected data from a variety of sources, including surveys, interviews, time diaries, and health biomarkers, to understand how universal basic income affects different aspects of people’s lives. While this study is not the first of its kind, it is among the largest pilot programs conducted globally. Proponents of basic income, such as Karl Widerquist, advocate for its implementation based on existing data that demonstrate its potential to alleviate poverty and improve well-being.
Altman’s interest in universal basic income dates back to his time at Y Combinator, a startup accelerator, where he first proposed funding a study on the topic. He views basic income as a possible solution to job displacement caused by automation, a sentiment shared by other tech leaders. However, critics like Jaron Lanier caution against centralizing wealth through AI-subsidized social welfare, pointing to potential social and economic implications of a basic income system.
OpenResearch, founded by Altman, has received substantial funding for its projects, including basic income trials and collaborations with entities like OpenAI. Despite concerns over potential conflicts of interest, the lab remains committed to advancing research on cash assistance and other social issues. The recent study on universal basic income highlights the positive impact of cash transfers on individuals’ financial stability and ability to support others in need.
As the conversation around universal basic income continues to evolve, Altman has hinted at exploring alternative models, such as financial dividends from language models like ChatGPT. The future direction of basic income research and implementation remains uncertain, but studies like those conducted by OpenResearch offer valuable insights into the potential benefits of cash assistance programs. With ongoing partnerships with tech companies and government entities, the impact of universal basic income on society may become clearer in the years to come.
