AI, Society, and the Next Technological Revolution

In this episode of Only Advance, I sit down with business technologist Joshua McNary for a wide-ranging conversation on artificial intelligence and what may prove to be the most consequential technological revolution in human history. We discuss the current state of AI adoption, the growing divide between “Doomers,” “Scouts,” and “Accelerationists,” and whether humanity is prepared for increasingly powerful systems that could reshape the workplace, education, creativity, and society itself. We also dive into the immediate cultural consequences of AI—particularly for children and critical thinking—along with the lessons we failed to learn during the rise of social media and smartphones. Finally, we explore AGI, the alignment problem, concentrated technological power, and whether the future of AI ultimately leaves Josh optimistic or deeply concerned about the trajectory of civilization. A thoughtful, grounded, and timely conversation about the opportunities and dangers that lie directly ahead.