The crimes in Myawaddy—acts of unregulated greed, exploitation, and corruption—are a chilling reminder of the consequences of unchecked power and a lack of ethical oversight. While not a direct result of capitalism, these atrocities reveal the vulnerabilities in a global economic system where wealth often escapes accountability. This begs a deeper question: as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into our world, how will it shape humanity’s future?
Myawaddy Crimes and Unchecked Greed
Myawaddy’s horrors are a grotesque reflection of what happens when greed and desperation intersect in lawless environments. The harvesting of organs from living people for sale to the world’s wealthy is a stark example of human life being reduced to a mere commodity. This isn’t about capitalism alone—it’s about the global structures that enable greed to flourish without accountability, whether through black markets, corrupt systems, or inequality.
But these crimes also expose a larger truth: greed, in its extreme, is not tied to any one system. It is a universal human flaw that, when left unchecked, leads to horrific outcomes. Addressing such atrocities requires not just reforming economic and political systems but also rethinking how power and wealth are distributed globally.
The Role of AI in Humanity’s Future
As AI evolves, it holds immense potential to reshape the way we live and work. But it also raises profound ethical questions:
- How Will AI Perceive Humanity?
If AI develops self-awareness, how will it judge us as a species? What will it make of our greed, corruption, and inequality? Will AI sympathize with the oppressed or grow wary of our destructive tendencies? The answer depends on how we design and train AI.- AI Protecting the Good and Punishing the Evil: If we aim for AI to uphold justice, we must embed ethical principles into its design. AI could identify and dismantle exploitative systems, expose corruption, and ensure accountability, creating a fairer and safer world.
- AI as a Neutral Observer: Alternatively, an indifferent AI might view humanity’s flaws without intervention, leaving us to our own devices. This could perpetuate existing inequalities and conflicts.
- AI and Inequality
As AI replaces human labor in various industries, it risks widening the gap between the rich and the poor. The wealthy, who own AI-powered systems, may gain unprecedented power, while the economically vulnerable lose their livelihoods. This could exacerbate global inequalities, creating conditions ripe for exploitation, as seen in Myawaddy. If AI becomes merely a “smart and cheap” replacement for human labor, without addressing the economic displacement it causes, we risk creating a world where desperation breeds more exploitation and crime.
What Should We Do?
To prevent AI from amplifying existing inequalities and enabling exploitation, we must act decisively:
1. Ethical Development of AI
- Embed principles of justice, empathy, and fairness into AI systems.
- Create international regulations to prevent AI from being used for exploitation or perpetuating unethical practices.
2. Address Economic Displacement
- Implement policies like Universal Basic Income (UBI) to support those whose jobs are displaced by AI.
- Invest in education and reskilling programs to help workers transition to AI-driven industries.
3. Global Accountability
- Use AI to monitor and expose exploitation, corruption, and crime globally. For example, AI could track illegal organ trades or uncover human trafficking networks.
- Hold both governments and corporations accountable for their role in enabling greed and inequality.
4. Reforming Global Structures
- Create systems where wealth does not equate to unchecked power. This includes fair taxation, redistribution policies, and regulations that prevent monopolies.
- Promote ethical business practices that prioritize humanity over profit.
A Vision for AI and Humanity
AI offers a mirror to humanity, reflecting both our potential and our flaws. Whether AI becomes a force for good or exacerbates our worst tendencies depends on the values we instill in it and the systems we build around it.
Do we want AI to protect the good and punish the evil, helping us build a world of justice and fairness? Or do we allow it to become a tool for the wealthy, deepening inequality and enabling crimes like those in Myawaddy? The choice is ours—but the time to act is now.
By addressing the root causes of greed, inequality, and exploitation, we can create a future where AI uplifts humanity rather than divides it. Let the horrors of Myawaddy remind us of what’s at stake—and inspire us to build a world where technology serves justice, not greed.