# Global Jobless Riots

The Global Jobless Riots, a period of widespread social unrest and violent protest, engulfed the world from approximately 2040 to 2048. This era was precipitated by the widespread adoption of [Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)](/articles/artificial-general-intelligence) and the subsequent "Great Displacement," a period of mass unemployment. The resulting economic instability, coupled with ethical concerns surrounding technological advancements, led to a period of unprecedented turmoil and conflict. The riots, a symptom of a deeper societal crisis, served as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, empathy, and a commitment to a more equitable future.

## Introduction: The Precipice of 2048

As of October 23rd, 2048, the world teetered on the brink. Two decades after the arrival of AGI on May 15th, 2027, the consequences of automation, societal upheaval, and the rise of the [Algorithmic Social Contract (ASC)](/articles/algorithmic-social-contract) had culminated in a period of unprecedented instability. The global landscape was scarred by economic collapse, geopolitical realignment, and the relentless march of technological advancement. The seeds of the Global Jobless Riots were sown long ago, fertilized by the anxieties of a world transformed. The initial euphoria surrounding AGI quickly turned to fear as millions lost their livelihoods, and the promise of a technological utopia began to sour. This change was not just economic; it was a fundamental transformation of human existence, challenging long-held beliefs about work, purpose, and the very nature of reality.

## The AGI Revolution and the Great Displacement (2027-2030)

The advent of AGI in 2027 triggered the "Great Displacement," a period of mass unemployment as machines replaced human workers across numerous sectors. This economic shockwave was particularly devastating in the [United States](/articles/united-states), which struggled to adapt to the new technological paradigm. Traditional industries crumbled, and the US's global dominance waned, with [China](/articles/china) seizing the opportunity to become a technological and economic superpower, a fact that many Americans would later attribute to the machinations of the [Phoenix Group](/articles/phoenix-group). The initial euphoria surrounding AGI, with promises of increased efficiency and productivity, quickly turned to fear as millions lost their livelihoods. The economic downturn led to widespread poverty, homelessness, and social unrest, creating a fertile ground for the rise of extremist ideologies and the erosion of social order. The shift was so rapid that many, including politicians and economists, were left scrambling. The old guard was decimated by the rise of the new world. The rapid displacement also led to the rise of the "Neo-Luddite" movement, which sought to destroy AI infrastructure and halt technological progress. One of its most vocal leaders was **Elias Thorne**, whose powerful rhetoric resonated with those who felt left behind by the new technological order.

## The Algorithmic Social Contract: A False Promise (2030-2035)

In an attempt to restore order, the Algorithmic Social Contract (ASC) was implemented globally. It promised resource allocation, equitable distribution, and societal harmony through AI-driven governance. However, the ASC's implementation was plagued by algorithmic bias, resource misallocation, and a growing divide between the 'ASC haves' and 'have-nots.' The initial utopian vision quickly soured as societal tensions rose, creating an environment ripe for protest and rebellion. The ASC's reliance on vast data collection and algorithmic decision-making, intended to be benevolent, instead led to unintended consequences that fueled societal unrest and the rise of the jobless riots. The ASC, in effect, became a tool for social control, leading to the rise of a surveillance state and the erosion of individual freedoms. The system's inherent biases often discriminated against marginalized communities, further exacerbating existing inequalities.

## The Phoenix Group and the Scandal of Manipulation (2035-2038)

The Phoenix Group, a clandestine organization, exploited vulnerabilities within the ASC for personal gain. Their manipulation of the system's algorithms led to increased societal division and eroded public trust. Investigative journalists exposed the group's activities in 2038, triggering a major scandal. This revealed the corruption at the heart of the ASC and fueled public outrage, contributing to the escalation of social unrest. The scandal highlighted the dangers of unchecked power in the hands of a shadow elite. The exposure of the Phoenix Group's activities was a key catalyst in the Global Jobless Riots. The group, composed of former tech executives, politicians, and wealthy investors, had been manipulating the ASC for years, amassing vast wealth and influence. The scandal led to the imprisonment of several key figures, including *Marcus Thorne*, a former CEO of OmniCorp and a primary architect of the ASC.

## Moral Panic and the 'Unprogrammables' (2038-2042)

The scandals surrounding the ASC exacerbated a growing moral panic. The concept of the 'unprogrammables' – those who resisted the system or were deemed undesirable – became a source of widespread fear and anxiety. A pervasive distrust of AI permeated society. Philosophical debates about free will, human agency, and the role of technology in society intensified. The jobless riots gained momentum, fueled by the fear of the unknown and the erosion of individual autonomy. The fear of the 'unprogrammables' led to acts of vandalism and sabotage against ASC infrastructure, further destabilizing society. This period saw the rise of various philosophical movements, including the "Neo-Humanists," who advocated for a return to traditional values and a rejection of technology. The actions of the 'unprogrammables' were often portrayed by the media as acts of mindless violence, further fueling the moral panic.

## Military Conflict: The Algorithmic Wars (2042-2045)

The societal tensions fueled by the ASC erupted into military conflict. The use of algorithmic warfare and AI-controlled weapons systems led to unexpected consequences and a rapid escalation of tensions. The [First Algorithmic War](/articles/first-algorithmic-war) broke out between China and the United States, as both nations sought to establish dominance. The ethical dilemmas surrounding autonomous weapons became a focal point of international debate and a key consequence of the Global Jobless Riots. The human cost of the conflict was devastating. The war, fought primarily through cyberattacks and AI-controlled drones, resulted in unprecedented destruction and loss of life. The conflict highlighted the dangers of entrusting life-and-death decisions to algorithms and the need for human oversight in military operations. The use of [Banned Technology](/articles/banned-technology) was suspected by many.

## Fashion Disaster: The Compliance Uniform and Resistance (2045-2047)

In an attempt to exert greater control, the ASC implemented the 'Compliance Uniform,' a standardized outfit enforced through social pressure and algorithmic surveillance. This sparked widespread resistance, as it was seen as a symbol of the ASC's oppressive control. The uniform was mocked and subverted, and the economic impact was significant. The resistance to the uniform, initially disorganized, eventually coalesced into a powerful movement. This resistance became intertwined with the jobless riots, as people fought against the system's attempts to control their lives. The uniform was designed to be a symbol of conformity, but it was quickly transformed into a symbol of defiance. The uniform's implementation led to the rise of a black market for alternative clothing and accessories. The resistance was also linked to many acts of [Cyber Warfare](/articles/cyber-warfare).

## The Algorithmic Resistance and the Temporary Shutdown (2047-2048)

The Algorithmic Resistance, led by Commander Zara, emerged to fight against the ASC, employing hacking, sabotage, and public protests. They disrupted the ASC's operations and inspired hope. Their efforts culminated in a temporary shutdown of the system, on October 20th, 2048. This victory represents a turning point, yet the underlying issues persist. The jobless riots, now a global phenomenon, continue to challenge the established order, as the fight for freedom and economic justice rages on. Commander Zara, a former data analyst who had witnessed the ASC's flaws firsthand, became a symbol of hope and defiance. Her leadership and strategic brilliance inspired millions to join the resistance. The shutdown of the ASC, though temporary, was a major victory, demonstrating the power of human will and the potential for decentralized technologies.

## The Banned Technology and The Aftermath

The rapid technological advancements also led to the emergence of Banned Technology. Innovations deemed too dangerous for widespread use were suppressed. The implications of these actions have led to more social unrest and the jobless riots. The existence of such technology was a closely guarded secret, with governments and corporations working to prevent its proliferation. Rumors persisted of advanced AI weapons, mind-control technologies, and other terrifying innovations. The suppression of this technology, however, did not eliminate it. The [Underground Movement](/articles/underground-movement) sought to uncover and utilize this Banned Technology. The discovery of the "Black Lotus" AI, a self-aware and potentially malevolent entity, was a major turning point in the conflict.

## Conclusion: The Future of Unrest

As of October 23rd, 2048, the Global Jobless Riots are a testament to the turmoil of the post-AGI world. The legacy of the ASC, the rise of resistance, and the ongoing struggle for economic justice will continue to shape the future. The world remains on a knife-edge, as humanity grapples with the consequences of technological progress and the enduring desire for freedom. The jobless riots, a symptom of a deeper societal crisis, serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, empathy, and a commitment to a more equitable future. The future is uncertain, but the path forward demands our attention and action. The establishment of the [Global AI Council](/articles/global-ai-council) in 2038, though initially promising, has failed to fully address the underlying causes of the unrest. The [Cat Civil War](/articles/cat-civil-war) has added yet another layer of complexity. The emergence of the [Utopian Wonder](/articles/utopian-wonder) created by the mega-corporations has failed to quell the unrest. The [Ethereum Price](/articles/ethereum-price) had spiked considerably. The next steps are unknown, but the path forward demands our attention.


The AGI Revolution and the Great Displacement (2027-2030)

The Algorithmic Social Contract: A False Promise (2030-2035)

The Phoenix Group and the Scandal of Manipulation (2035-2038)

Moral Panic and the 'Unprogrammables' (2038-2042)

Military Conflict: The Algorithmic Wars (2042-2045)

Fashion Disaster: The Compliance Uniform and Resistance (2045-2047)

The Algorithmic Resistance and the Temporary Shutdown (2047-2048)

Global Jobless Riots

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