A recent Google #ScholER research paper reveals that Large Language Models (LLMs) perform significantly better at factual retrieval and knowledge tasks when they are allowed to "reason" (or think longer) before answering. These findings shatter the illusion that AI is a societal equalizer:
Massive Cost Discrepancy: Reasoning models require 10x to 20x more compute, making them incredibly expensive to run.
The Paywall Divide: Because of these costs, true reasoning models are locked behind expensive premium tiers (often requiring $200/month developer or advanced access), while 99% of society is left using vastly inferior, subsidized free models.
Outcome Inequality: Instead of democratizing intelligence, the #Artificial Intelligence landscape is shifting toward a plutocracy where top-tier capability belongs strictly to those who can afford it.
https://medium.com/@ignac..
