So here's the thing: I want the computer to replace me... with regards to things that I don't want to do, or that aren't a good use of my time (boring, repetitive, trite, tedious, etc.). BUT the caveat is, I want it to be in a context where I'm in control of the computer and own the output, etc.

Now companies and other actors also want the computer to replace me, but they want to be in control and to own the output. But here's the rub: they're not going to stop trying to come up with ways to replace me and minimize my value just because I don't like it. No man can stop the tide from coming in, or something like that (insert pithy saying here?). But if you know the tide is coming, you can retreat further inland OR build a boat, or climb a pole, etc.

So where I'm at with this is, the more I work on AI, the more I know about AI, the more I can use it to enhance my own value outside of the context of corporate controlled IT systems, the more I can exercise a (possibly insignificant, but maybe not) degree of control over my fate. I can try to build my own boat, or at least outrun the tide for a little while.

I don't know how things are going to turn out, and there's a reason that I am not in fact joking when I crack the occasional remark about "after this conversation I'm going to run to Bass Pro Shops and pick up a few more boxes of ammo" or whatever. Maybe a cyberpunk dystopia is what awaits us all. Maybe not. I'm just going to try to make my best guess at what the possible / likely future scenarios are and take whatever actions I can now to situate myself as favorably as I can.