Yeah for sure, I agree with you there. I think that's part of the human trajectory as strange as it is, but definitely not in the manner that they are trying to push it in right now. Machines of various forms have been invented and proliferated to reduce our labor cost. Unfortunately a LOT of people have no or minimal work ethic, and a LOT of people absolutely hate their jobs and lives so it's ultimately a sad existence, where many are embracing the devil so-to-speak.
If we could get to a Star Trek type future, traveling on space ships and shit, without the psychopathy that would be interesting in a way but I don't know how we get there on the current trajectory. The current trajectory is slavery and subjugation in the present moment. The crazy part is eventually, if it keeps going in the direction it is, it will be subjugation to the AI not even the humans controlling it anymore which is the scariest aspect.
The generative aspect of it is horse shit to me. Yeah I definitely gave it a whirl for 10 images of something but it lost it's interest for me. I am a humanist in that regard for sure, I prefer it created by a person but not just through a few word prompts.
Work ethic, a good work ethic is something that declines as rapidly as good communication; I do not know why. AI, automation, entitlement? Probably all of those and more.
I'm with you on the AI art thing...I don't like it and don't see myself ever liking it, or applauding someone for 'creating' it.