Geoffrey Hinton stated in an interview that many companies want to replace their employees with AI. According to him, work will be done much cheaper by AI. Even individuals like Bill Gates have long emphasized that AI will have a strong influence on the workforce.
Geoffrey Hinton is one of the most recognized figures in artificial intelligence and is referred to by some as the “Godfather” of AI. In a discussion at Georgetown University, he spoke about the risks of AI and its influence on the workforce. Hinton regularly warns about the strong influence of AI on people.
What did Hinton say? The Nobel Laureate explained in the discussion, which is available on YouTube, that AI is a significant tool in the long term for replacing workers. He stated:
Many people believe it is very likely that AI will lead to massive unemployment.
And if you ask where these people are getting the approximately one trillion dollars they invest in data centers and chips… One of the most important sources of funding will be the sale of AI that will perform the work of employees much cheaper. So, these people are really betting that AI will replace many workers.
Already individuals like Gates and Musk emphasize how significantly AI affects work and productivity
What does that have to do with Bill Gates? In the past, well-known figures like Bill Gates have pointed out that AI will have a strong influence on the workforce:
- Bill Gates has explicitly mentioned the possibility in several interviews and blog posts that AI could significantly shorten the workweek, perhaps to 3 days. Time that could then be used for other things like leisure.
- Elon Musk, on the other hand, has warned about both “existential” risks of AI and emphasized that AI could theoretically enable a future of high material prosperity with low human labor (via Fortune.com).
- Various studies from major institutions have assumed for several years that a significant share of activities is automatable, albeit to very different extents depending on the industry and qualification level.
What is the validity of the statement? It is already evident in practice that AI has a strong influence on various areas. Many routine tasks in certain fields are being accelerated or automated. And many areas are changing significantly because AI tools serve as support and increase productivity.
Whether in the end really no one will have jobs anymore cannot yet be determined. Serious research suggests rather shifts and polarization of work instead of a complete disappearance. There will still be work, but only for certain individuals.
Additionally: Countries with weak social security and low educational levels are typically more strongly affected by the negative consequences of AI than highly developed states with robust social systems.
Many individuals are worried about their jobs because of AI. Now Microsoft has published a study identifying which jobs will be most affected. Here, 40 jobs are listed that will be significantly affected by AI. However, 40 jobs are also mentioned that do not need to worry. Those working as embalmers can now relax: 40 professions that according to Microsoft are most affected by AI – and 40 that are still safe.
