Post-Labour Economics

Module 3 — What Could Go Wrong

Lesson 9: The Self-Reinforcing Loop

Last updated: 2026-04-25

Each individual decision to use a cheaper machine instead of a human is perfectly rational. Add them up across a whole economy, however, and you can get a contraction that no single actor wanted. This is the key macro risk of an automation wave.

Lesson 9: The Self-Reinforcing Loop

Blackboard

When sensible choices add up badly

12 min
Pause and Think

Practice Question

Question

Does not count for certificate
Choose one answer, use the hint if needed, then check your answer.
Use the hint before checking if you need a nudge.