Abstract

This essay will explore how much the contemporary economies are influenced by networks instead of markets and evaluate whether human relationships can become economically significant as artificial intelligence becomes widespread. The study shows that although networks have reshaped the modern economy to a significant extent, market factors such as the price mechanism continue to play an important role in some specific contexts. In addition, there exists a complementary relationship between human connections and AI. Therefore, the advent of the AI era has not diminished the economic value of human connections. Instead, it has highlighted their economic significance as screening and assurance mechanisms. Finally, this essay suggests that individuals, businesses and policy makers should take effective actions to fully integrate the advantages of networks and AI technologies and build a more resilient economy.

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