America is facing a growing crisis that is unfolding before our eyes and is likely to intensify in the years ahead. Strangely, this issue receives little objective attention in mainstream media. Instead, we are reassured that this new force—artificial intelligence (AI)—will improve our lives, streamline our work, and enhance human potential. We are told it will launch the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It will usher in a new era unprecedented levels of productivity and open the door to life-saving medical breakthroughs.

Indeed, AI has already demonstrated extraordinary capabilities in early cancer detection and the diagnosis of neurological diseases like Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, and dementia. It is redefining creative fields such as literature, music, filmmaking, and visual arts. AI promises to elevate the quality of education. It will resolve complex legal disputes and optimize systems ranging from supply chains to urban infrastructure. And to a very significant degree, these promises are true.