The godfather of AI doesn't think CEOs have thought about one big thing that could happen if AI kills most jobs

Geoffrey Hinton, known as the 'godfather of AI' and a Nobel Prize laureate, recently shared his concerns about artificial intelligence's implications for the workforce during a discussion at Georgetown University. The event, moderated by Senator Bernie Sanders, focused on the dual nature of AI technology, exploring both its potential benefits and significant risks. Hinton expressed skepticism regarding whether prominent tech leaders, including Elon Musk and Larry Ellison, truly consider the consequences of their substantial investments in AI. He remarked, "They should be, but I don't think they are," highlighting a critical oversight: if workers are unable to earn a living, they will not be able to purchase the products that companies produce. This could lead to considerable social upheaval, particularly if high unemployment rates become a reality. During the conversation, Sanders referenced notable figures like Bill Gates, who has previously suggested that human labor may become obsolete in many sectors, and Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, who warned that AI could eliminate half of all entry-level white-collar jobs. Hinton concurred with these assessments, stating, "I don't believe it's going to create as many new jobs as it replaces." He acknowledged that while AI technology is still in its infancy and is improving rapidly, the assertion that it would not displace jobs is misleading. According to Hinton, the jobs created by AI, such as those involving prompt engineering for chatbots, will not compensate for the roles that will be lost. Elon Musk also weighed in on the issue, suggesting that AI will accelerate the replacement of traditional desk jobs, leading to a future where work may become optional. He envisioned a scenario where individuals could access any product or service they desire through a system of universal high income, though he cautioned that the transition would not be without turmoil. This sentiment regarding the potential need for a universal basic income has gained traction among other tech leaders, including OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman. Meanwhile, corporate leaders like Amazon's Andy Jassy have indicated that AI advancements could lead to a reduction in white-collar jobs, exemplified by Amazon's recent layoffs. Students at Georgetown University, who participated in the discussion, appeared to resonate with Hinton's warnings. When asked whether they believed AI would benefit their future or pose risks, a notable majority indicated their concern, raising their hands in favor of the latter perspective.