The American people understand that AI and robotics will transform our world. They want to make certain that this technological revolution makes life better, not worse, for them and their families. They know that fundamental questions must be answered before we rush forward. They don’t trust the AI oligarchs.

At a time of massive income and wealth inequality, people recognize the AI revolution is being led by some of the wealthiest people in this country. Billionaires like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Larry Ellison are investing enormous sums in AI and robotics not to improve life for working families but to expand their own wealth and power.

How can we rush forward when AI could displace tens of millions of workers? Elon Musk has stated that “AI and robots will replace all jobs.” Bill Gates has said humans won’t be needed “for most things.” If machines can perform most economically valuable work better than humans can, how do people earn a living and support their families?

It isn’t only the economy. How can we rush forward when AI is already reshaping how we as human beings relate to one another? According to a recent poll by Common Sense Media, 72% of U.S. teenagers say they have used AI companions, and more than half do so regularly. What does it mean for young people to form “friendships” with AI while becoming lonelier and more isolated from other human beings?