Beyond SaaS: How AI's Independence Could Redefine Economic Value and Human Connection
The rise of artificial intelligence, capable of interacting directly with data and systems, is prompting a fundamental re-evaluation of our reliance on human-centric communication and productivity tools. Many companies are currently in a cost-cutting phase, and the implications of AI's independence from conventional software-as-a-service (SaaS) platforms could be profound.
The Looming Impact on SaaS and White-Collar Jobs
SaaS companies, from Slack and Gmail to Notion and Jira, essentially monetize the "friction" inherent in human collaboration and workflow. These tools facilitate communication, project management, and data sharing among human teams. However, if AI reduces the need for human intervention in many white-collar roles—potentially by 50% or more—the demand for these friction-management tools would naturally decrease. AI doesn't need a Slack channel to communicate; it can operate directly with databases, retrieve and store information with far greater efficiency.
This scenario raises a critical economic question: if a widespread reduction in white-collar jobs occurs, leading to less demand for SaaS, what happens to the businesses that depend on the growth and subscription revenue from these companies? While individual companies might initially see improved profits from automation, a collective downsizing across the economy could lead to a paradox where overall economic vitality diminishes.
Re-evaluating Value: Efficiency vs. Richness
Perhaps the most insightful perspective on this shift comes from the concept of "Tema" (手間) in Japanese culture. Tema translates to "time and effort" but carries a deeper implication: the act of taking time and expending effort inherently creates value and trust. In our current efficiency-obsessed economy, Tema is often viewed as a "bug" to be eliminated, with SaaS tools designed precisely for this purpose.
However, if AI automates a significant portion of logical and efficient work, human value might pivot towards "High-Tema Activities." These are interactions and processes that are intentionally inefficient, prioritizing richness, personal connection, and the human element.
Consider these shifts:
- Personal Touch Over Digital Expediency: Handshakes replacing Docusign, signifying trust built through physical presence rather than automated verification.
- Immersive Experience Over Virtual Convenience: Physical retreats and in-person collaboration gaining premium over Zoom calls, fostering deeper connections and shared experiences.
- Craftsmanship Over Mass Production: A renewed appreciation for artisan goods and bespoke services, where the "time and effort" invested by a human is part of the product's intrinsic value.
This perspective suggests that the potential collapse of some SaaS models might not lead to an economic void but rather a rebalancing. It could force us to realize that "Efficiency" and "Richness" are often trade-offs. As AI handles the pursuit of pure efficiency, humans might increasingly seek and pay a premium for experiences and services that embody richness, trust, and intentional human effort. This resetting of the balance could shift focus back to the human side of value creation, away from purely logical, automated processes.
Societal Implications and the Question of Choice
Beyond economic shifts, the discussion also touches on profound societal implications. Some speculate about scenarios ranging from new forms of feudalism or oligarchy, where concentrated power controls automated resources, to dystopian outcomes where a disempowered population faces advanced enforcement.
A key question arises regarding agency: if AI takes over significant aspects of work and life, are humans truly "delegating" tasks, or are we being presented with a choice-less future? Understanding these potential shifts—both economic and societal—is crucial for navigating an AI-driven future where the definition of "work," "value," and "human interaction" is rapidly evolving.