Israeli Economic Commentator Admits to Depression, Blames AI
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Israeli economic commentator Shaul Amsterdamski revealed he suffered from depression for the past year, believing the rise of artificial intelligence contributed significantly to his struggles. He described a passive recovery from his initial bout of depression but now feels it is returning. Amsterdamski expressed a tangible fear that AI will eventually replace his job entirely, leading to feelings of futility.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Economic commentator Shaul Amsterdamski revealed he suffered from depression over the past year.
- He attributes a significant part of his struggles to the rise of artificial intelligence.
- Amsterdamski described his recovery from depression as passive, but feels it is returning.
- He expressed a tangible fear that AI will replace his job, causing futility.
- The commentator shared his personal experience on social media, noting it would be deleted.
Shaul Amsterdamski, an economic commentator for Kan 11, revealed on Wednesday that he suffered from depression over the past year, attributing a significant part of his struggles to the rise of artificial intelligence. Amsterdamski described his experience, stating, "Exactly one year ago I fell into depression. Not sadness, not melancholy, real depression." He explained that after months of suffering and feeling like he was drowning, he managed to emerge from it, though he characterized the recovery as passive rather than active, with the depression simply ending as it began. He felt productive and potent again, but now admits, "It seems to me it is returning again."
Amsterdamski shared a friend's analogy of life being a sine wave, reminding him that after a downturn, an upturn will follow. "I'm trying, but this sailing is tough," he wrote. He further elaborated that while he can automate some technical tasks at work, which streamlines processes, he feels like he is "turning off the light on myself." This leads to a creeping sense of futility and meaninglessness, as he fears that if parts of his job can be replaced today, other parts could be replaced tomorrow until nothing remains.
He emphasized that this fear is "real and tangible, not abstract." During vulnerable periods, this fear can be paralyzing. Amsterdamski noted that while this concern was less palpable a year ago, it is very much so today. He concluded his remarks by thanking his readers for listening to his "TED talk," adding that the post would be deleted shortly.