In the AI Era, Bit-Centric Knowledge Industries Collapse… Big Tech Collects Tolls, Only 'Atom' Industries Survive

With the advent of the AI era, industries centered around 'bits' are facing a rapid collapse. Meanwhile, big tech companies like Google and Apple are using artificial intelligence to wield power virtually exceeding that of nations, collecting a toll of up to 30% worldwide. Author Park Hong-ki explains all industries in the world by dividing them into 'bits' and 'atoms,' diagnosing that AI is accelerating the monopolization of bit-based industries.

'Bit industries' refer to all knowledge-based industries, including paperwork, data entered into word processors, and human intellect accumulated in books. These bit-based industries are at risk of having their productivity reversed or becoming subservient to specific platforms due to the rapid advancement of AI. Industries based on mobile phones and workstations, in particular, are becoming major targets for AI and are experiencing significant pressure for change.

'Atom'-based industries are drawing attention as industries that are relatively free from the influence of AI and can even increase their productivity. Atom industries refer to fields that deal with physical entities, such as manufacturing or shipyards, and are outside the direct monopolistic structure of AI. Author Park Hong-ki added that the United States tends to focus AI technology on bit industries, while China concentrates on atom industries.

Until now, 'developed nations' have been defined by the culmination of knowledge industries. However, with the shift to a structure where AI platform operators monopolize knowledge industries, developed nations face the crisis of becoming subordinate to these AI platform operators. The knowledge worker class, a key component of the middle class with strong self-esteem, is likely to decline amid these changes. All digitized industries may be subject to this collapse.

Big tech companies aim to build a global 'knowledge zone industry' through AI, with the ultimate goal of collecting a 30% toll from it. This is a unique industrial analysis concept not found in existing policy reports, suggesting that AI will be used as a powerful tool to not only drive technological innovation but also reshape the economic system itself. In this structure, AI will form new types of 'knowledge zones' and expand its influence.