Doomscrolling on Instagram? Perplexity CEO has a message for youngsters

Aravind Srinivas, the CEO of Perplexity AI, has issued a clarion call to young people, urging them to divert their attention away from doomscrolling on social media platforms like Instagram and instead invest their time in exploring the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In a recent interview with tech enthusiast Matthew Berman, Srinivas emphasized the importance of engaging with AI, stating, "Spend less time doomscrolling on Instagram; spend more time using the AIs. This isn't about boosting our usage; it's about adding value to society." As a prominent player in the AI sector, backed by Nvidia, Perplexity is carving out a space for itself as a challenger to Google's search dominance. Srinivas acknowledged the potential impact of AI on employment, suggesting that job reductions may occur across various industries. However, he reassured that those who master AI tools will find themselves at an advantage in the job market. "Individuals who are adept at using AIs will be significantly more employable than those who are not," he asserted. Highlighting a broader concern, Srinivas pointed out that humanity has historically struggled to adapt quickly to technological changes. He remarked, "The human race has never been extremely fast at adapting. This technology is evolving rapidly, testing our limits of adaptation every few months." He also discussed the potential futures for those displaced by AI, suggesting they could either become entrepreneurs leveraging AI or enhance their skills to contribute to new ventures. In a bid to expand its reach, Perplexity is in negotiations with smartphone manufacturers to pre-install its new Comet AI browser on devices. Currently available only in beta on desktops, Comet integrates AI into web browsing, enabling users to interact with personal data and streamline tasks like scheduling and summarizing content. However, Srinivas noted that persuading mobile OEMs to switch from Chrome to Comet is a significant challenge.