WorkThe story, in brief
The people do not yearn for automation
The automation narrative is cracking. Simon Willison just exposed why the 'AI will solve everything' pitch doesn't match how people actually want to work.
The KeyNews take
Why it matters
A contrarian take on automation adoption: societal resistance to AI-driven automation isn't a technical problem—it's a cultural and human preference issue that businesses and policymakers need to reckon with when building AI strategy.
The key facts
4 to knowPublished Apr 24, 2026 on simonwillison.net
Challenges the assumption that automation is universally desired
Implies public/workforce sentiment data or observation about adoption friction
Positions human preference as central to AI deployment success
Go to the source
Simon Willisonsimonwillison.net