During the VivaTech 2024 conference in Paris, billionaire Elon Musk suggested that the advancement of artificial intelligence could eliminate the need for humans to work. This was reported by the Daily Mail.
“If you want to do work that feels like a hobby, you can do it. Otherwise, AI and robots will provide any goods and services you desire,” he stated.
Musk emphasized that “none of us will probably have a job.” To realize such a scenario, a “universal high income” would be necessary. The concept involves reducing the cost of human labor through AI, making basic needs accessible to all.
According to the billionaire, in the future, humanity will not lack goods or services. Musk highlighted that while his greatest hope is Mars, his main fear is artificial intelligence.
The entrepreneur referenced the “Culture” series of science fiction works by Scottish writer Iain Banks, which he believes offers the most realistic forecast of AI’s future.
Musk questioned whether people would be satisfied with a life without work and career, and recommended that parents limit the amount of time their children spend on social media.
“The question will really make sense: if computers and robots can do everything better than you, does your life have meaning? I think that perhaps the role of people will remain to give meaning to AI,” he stated.
Previously, a study by the recruitment company Adecco Group revealed that AI is expected to lead to a reduction in hiring within the next five years. According to a PwC survey in January, about 25% of CEOs worldwide are preparing for workforce reductions following the integration of neural networks into work processes.
In 2023, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates predicted the “death” of Google and Amazon due to AI development, as well as a reduction of the workweek to three days thanks to the technology.
Back in May 2024, billionaire investor Warren Buffett compared the threat of deepfakes to nuclear weapons.