'Father of AI' agrees with Bill Gates and Elon Musk on future of work, warns of impending mass unemployment

The long-term effects of artificial intelligence remain one of Silicon Valleys most contentious debates. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang foresees a future where every occupation is reshaped, potentially leading to a 4-day workweek. Other industry leaders envision even more dramatic changes: Bill Gates suggests that humans might soon be unnecessary for most tasks, while Elon Musk predicts that within 20 years, most people may no longer need to work at all.

These forecasts, though extreme, are considered highly plausible by Geoffrey Hinton, the British computer scientist often called the Godfather of AI. He warns that the shift could trigger widespread economic disruption, leaving millions unemployed. It seems very likely to a large number of people that AI will cause massive unemployment, Hinton remarked during a discussion with Senator Bernie Sanders at Georgetown University.

Hinton highlighted the economic incentives behind AI investment, noting that tech companies stand to profit by selling AI systems that perform human work more cheaply. A significant source of funding for data centers and chip development will come from replacing human labor with AI, he said, emphasizing that companies are betting on extensive worker displacement.

Increasingly outspoken about Big Techs priorities, Hinton has criticized the industry for valuing short-term profits over scientific progress. AI economics are under scrutiny, with OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, projected to reach profitability only around 2030, and requiring more than $207 billion to support its growth, according to HSBC estimates.

Hintons transition from insider to critic highlights the high stakes of AI development. After leaving Google in 2023 to speak freely about the technologys risks, he has emerged as a leading skeptic. Last year, he received the Nobel Prize for his pioneering work in machine learning.

While acknowledging that AI will generate new job opportunities, Hinton doubts these will match the number of positions lost. He also cautioned that all forecasts, including his own, are highly uncertain. Predicting the future of AI is extremely difficult, he told Sanders. Its like driving in fog: you can see clearly for a short distance, but beyond that, the path is unknown. We have clarity for a year or two, but ten years ahead, we cant say.

Despite uncertainties, AI is expected to remain central to the economy, and experts advise that workers who leverage the technology to enhance their skills will have the best chance of navigating the disruption.

Sanders Warns Nearly 100 Million Jobs Could Be Affected

Senator Bernie Sanders has attempted to quantify the potential impact. In an October report, partly informed by ChatGPT estimates, he warned that automation could displace nearly 100 million U.S. jobs. Roles in fast food, customer service, and manual labor face the highest risk, but white-collar positions, including accounting, software development, and nursing, could also be significantly affected.

Work, whether as a janitor or a surgeon, is central to human identity, Sanders wrote. Most people want to contribute and be productive. What happens when that essential aspect of life is removed?

Senator Mark Warner has issued similar warnings, emphasizing that younger workers could be hit hardest. He predicts that unemployment among recent college graduates could reach 25% within two to three years if AI disruption is not managed. If we ignore AI like we did social media, we will regret it, Warner told CNBC.

Author: Zoe Harrison