Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, raises concerns about the future of jobs in the face of AI advancements, predicting widespread obsolescence. Musk advocates for a universal high income to counter potential job displacement, emphasising the need for societal stability. Despite his involvement in OpenAI, Musk cautions against rapid AI development and the emergence of superhuman AI. The discussion showcases Musk’s nuanced perspective on the implications of AI for society.
AI’s Role in the Future of Work: Insights from Elon Musk
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, expressed concerns during VivaTech 2024 in Paris about the future of jobs in light of advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking remotely at the conference on Thursday, Musk, 52, predicted that AI could make nearly all jobs obsolete. He suggested that roles requiring creativity and emotional intelligence might still be secure, stating, “If you want to do a job that’s kinda like a hobby, you can do a job.”
Musk indicated that the mass job displacement could be mitigated by implementing a universal high income, as opposed to universal basic income (UBI), to ensure societal stability. UBI is a welfare initiative where all adult citizens receive a regular income without needing to work. Emphasizing the potential benefits, Musk noted that this transition could act as a societal equalizer.
Despite his foundational role in OpenAI, Musk has become a vocal critic of the technology’s rapid development. He warned about the potential for superhuman AI to emerge as early as next year, constrained only by power requirements and a shortage of AI training chips. Additionally, Musk raised existential questions about the meaning of life in a world where computers and robots outperform humans, suggesting that humanity’s purpose may shift to “give AI meaning.”
Musk also cautioned against the excessive influence of social media on children, describing how AI-driven algorithms might be maximizing dopamine responses.
The discussion at VivaTech 2024 highlights Musk’s complex views on AI, balancing between caution and the potential for societal restructuring.
