AI’s Impact on Employment and Society

A former Google executive, Mo Gawdat, has issued a stark warning about the potential societal upheaval caused by artificial intelligence (AI). Gawdat, who served as the chief business officer at Google X until 2018, believes that AI will significantly disrupt the job market, leading to the erosion of the middle class. He predicts that by 2027, AI will begin to eliminate white-collar jobs across various sectors, including software development, executive roles, and even creative fields like podcasting.

The Future of Work According to Gawdat

In a conversation with British entrepreneur Steven Bartlett on the “Diary of a CEO” podcast, Gawdat shared his insights into the future of work. He highlighted his own startup, Emma.love, which focuses on emotional and relationship-based AI. The company operates with just three employees, a stark contrast to the 350 developers that would have been necessary in the past. This example underscores his belief that AI will drastically reduce the need for human labor in many industries.

Social Unrest and Mental Health Concerns

Gawdat warns that the widespread job losses could lead to significant social unrest as individuals struggle to adapt to losing their livelihoods and sense of purpose. He anticipates a rise in mental health issues, increased loneliness, and deepening social divisions as people grapple with these changes. According to Gawdat, unless individuals are part of the top 0.1 percent of society, they may find themselves struggling economically.

The Rise of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)

Gawdat also touched upon the potential of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), which he believes could surpass human capabilities in all areas, including leadership roles such as CEOs. This development could further exacerbate job displacement and economic inequality.

Concerns from AI Pioneers

The concerns raised by Gawdat echo those of Geoffrey Hinton, often referred to as the ‘godfather of AI.’ Hinton has expressed apprehension about AI developing its own language, which could make it difficult for humans to understand or control these systems. He warns that AI’s ability to think independently poses significant challenges for human oversight.

As AI continues to evolve, these warnings highlight the urgent need for society to prepare for its transformative impact on employment and social structures.