An AI researcher says most jobs will be wiped out by 2045 — but sex workers, politicians, and sports coaches will survive

As the discussion surrounding artificial intelligence intensifies, a prominent researcher has raised alarming predictions about the future job market. Adam Dorr, director of research at RethinkX, shared in a recent interview that advancements in AI and robotics could lead to the elimination of most human jobs by the year 2045. Dorr draws parallels to historical shifts, likening today's workforce to horses during the rise of automobiles or traditional film cameras in the face of digital photography. In his view, the rapid evolution of machines will enable them to perform tasks currently handled by humans, often at a lower cost and with comparable or even superior quality. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "Machines that can think are here, and their capabilities are expanding day by day with no end in sight." Dorr and his team have analyzed over 1,500 significant technological transformations, noting that once a new technology secures a small percentage of market share, it tends to dominate within 15 to 20 years. However, not all professions may face extinction. Dorr identifies a select group of jobs that could endure, particularly those that rely on human interaction, trust, and ethical decision-making. He highlighted professions such as sex workers, politicians, sports coaches, and ethicists as examples that may still have a place in the future economy. Yet, he cautioned that the number of these roles is insufficient to employ the billions of individuals displaced by automation. The potential societal implications of this upheaval are significant, according to Dorr. He envisions two possible outcomes: one leading to widespread inequality and the other to a state of 'super-abundance,' where human needs are met without traditional labor. Achieving the latter scenario, he asserts, will necessitate innovative approaches to work, value, and ownership. While Dorr's views resonate with many in the tech industry, opinions on which jobs will survive vary. Geoffrey Hinton, known as the 'Godfather of AI,' expressed concerns about the vulnerability of routine intellectual positions, while others like Nvidia's Jensen Huang and Meta's Yann LeCun argue that AI will transform rather than eliminate jobs. In contrast, economist David Autor warned that while jobs may not disappear, AI could devalue skills, leading to fierce competition for a dwindling number of desirable positions. As the landscape of work evolves, experts urge society to prepare for the impending changes and consider the implications of a world increasingly dominated by intelligent machines.