A large-scale study funded by OpenAI founder Sam Altman takes an in-depth look at the impact of unconditional basic income on the lives of American people. The study, which lasted three years and was conducted by OpenResearch Labs, randomly selected 3,000 participants in Texas and Illinois and gave them monthly subsidies of US$1,000 and US$50 respectively to observe the impact of unconditional basic income on different economic groups. impact and long-term effects. The research results cover recipients’ spending patterns, housing status, health care, employment status and potential impacts on other aspects of society, providing valuable data support for the formulation of relevant policies.
Recently, a large-scale study funded by OpenAI founder Sam Altman revealed the impact of unconditional basic income on the lives of American people. The three-year study, conducted by OpenResearch Labs, gave 3,000 randomly selected subjects in Texas and Illinois $1,000 per month, while a control group received $50 per month. .
The findings show that recipients primarily use this additional income for basic needs, health care and supporting others. The biggest increases in spending were on food, rent and transportation. It is worth noting that expenditures on financially supporting others increased by as much as 26%, and this phenomenon was particularly evident among low-income groups.
In terms of housing, the study found that recipients were more likely to move and pay for housing independently, reducing financial dependence on family or friends. Utilization of medical services also increased, including hospitalizations, emergency room visits, dental care and doctor appointments, with average monthly health care spending increasing by about $20. At the same time, the study also found a decrease in alcohol and drug abuse.
However, this research also reveals the complex effects of a UBI on employment. While employment and hours worked increased for all participants, the increases were smaller in the recipient group than in the control group. Recipients worked an average of 1.3 hours less per week, but their overall income (including cash assistance) remained higher. Researchers believe this phenomenon reflects recipients gaining greater flexibility in their lives and being able to make decisions based on their personal circumstances and values.
Despite working fewer hours, recipients' interest in entrepreneurship has increased, especially among black and female groups. They have also become more selective when applying for jobs, preferring jobs that are interesting or meaningful.
The research was co-funded by Sam Altman, Twitter founder Jack Dorsey and GitLab co-founder Sid Sijbrandij, with a total investment of $45 million. Elizabeth Rhodes, director of OpenResearch, emphasized that the study was not intended to make specific policy recommendations, but to better understand the long-term effects of a basic income.
With the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, the discussion of universal basic income has become increasingly heated. For Altman, unconditional basic income may be the obvious conclusion to the response to the large number of jobs that artificial intelligence may displace. However, research also shows that cash transfers alone cannot solve all structural problems, with improvements in areas such as mental health and food security declining later in life.
This research provides us with valuable data and insights into our understanding of the potential impact of a UBI on society. As artificial intelligence technology continues to advance, similar research and discussions will play an increasingly important role in future social policy formulation.
This large-scale study, funded by Sam Altman, provides an important empirical basis for the discussion of unconditional basic income. The complexity of its results also reminds us that when considering future social welfare policies, we need to comprehensively consider multiple factors and continue to conduct continuous research. in-depth research.