AI will end need for jobs, Musk predicts
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — Elon Musk made headlines with a bold prediction about the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and work.
Speaking with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at an AI safety summit, the tech billionaire said AI is “the most disruptive force in history” and will eventually become smarter than humans.
“There will come a point where no job is needed,” said Musk. “You can have a job if you want one for personal satisfaction, but the AI will do everything.”
Musk believes as AI advances, robots and machines will be able to fully replace human labor across all occupations.
While he acknowledged this could make some people uncomfortable, Musk painted it as a positive scenario he calls “protopian” – one where everyone can access an “AI genie” that provides unlimited goods and services.
“It will be an age of abundance,” he said. “We won’t have universal basic income. We’ll have universal high income.”
Musk has long warned about the risks of uncontrolled AI but also sees its potential benefits. He argues superhuman AI should be guided by the principle of “maximizing freedom” rather than profit or power.
His predictions come as AI systems like ChatGPT generate excitement but also concerns about impacts on jobs.
While experts say AI will reshape the workforce, most believe human labor will still be necessary in many roles. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon recently predicted that advancements in AI could enable shorter workweeks for future generations.
The tech leader reiterated the need for regulation, thanking the UK prime minister for convening the summit: “I think it will go down in history as being very important.”
