AI creates the possibility to disrupt existing power structures - this is the only reason it gathers so much focus. If it were merely tool that increased efficiency of work, few would care so much. We already frequently get such tools which draw far less attention.
So far all it has done is entrench existing power structures by dis-empowering people who are struggling the most in current economic conditions. How exactly do you suppose that's going to change in the future if currently it's simply making the rich richer & the poor poorer?