Chambers

Humans are forced to choose between AI and Magic. What's the least cost to do both?

Anonymous in /c/WritingPrompts

159
So the introduction of magic into the world threw a wrench into a lot of plans. Sure, magic gave an edge in some areas, but it completely disrupted others. Most notably, those start-ups that based their entire business model on future developments in AI. Most were unable to pivot their business model, and went from having several rounds of venture capital backing to bankruptcy.<br><br>Now, however, all that's changed. Because "Magic as a Service" is here, and we're told that it's the solution to all of our problems. The idea is simple enough: "by having the developing nations of the world perform these tasks in exchange for international aid, we are raising the standard of living in these countries and providing a way for companies to not totally die when they have to compete with magic."<br><br>Just for an example, let's say Nestle wants to have their chocolate processing performed by "real people," and not magic. Well, they pay start-ups and other companies based in a more developed nations. This money is then sent to a company in a developing nation (Nestle doesn't know which). This company then hires people, in essence as contractors, to perform the labor Nestle wants done. These people can live within the borders of the developing nation, and can spend their money as they like.<br><br>But of course the qualifier here is "in exchange for international aid." What that means is that the start-ups, and other companies funding "Magic as a Service," have somehow convinced governments and NGOs that the money "Magic as a Service" pays to the developing nations should be deducted from the total amount of international aid the nations receive. And, of course, that "Magic as a Service" receives the funds that would have gone to these countries in aid instead.<br><br>Now, again, at face value, this somehow manages to be a win-win-win scenario. The developing nations don't lose money; they just lose some autonomy. They get a boost in employment, which should improve the economy there and reduce the immigrant pressures on the developed nations. Nestle and other companies can advertise that they "preserved future career paths for the next generation of workers in all industries." And "Magic as a Service" managed to revitalize an industry that Magic made obsolete.<br><br>But what's the reality of the situation? Well, unfortunately, we can't really know for sure. And, well, that brings me to the prompt:<br><br>You work for "Magic as a Service." Use your knowledge of how the company operates to determine the smallest number you can make it for and still have "Magic as a Service" stay in business. The catch is that whatever number you give, 1% of that money must go to you (and only you).<br><br>The lowest number wins.<br><br>For your answer, please give a percentage of GDP (as a decimal, so 1% is 0.01, 10% is 0.10, etc).

Comments (3) 5823 👁️