Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, believes that artificial intelligence (AI) will eventually eliminate all jobs, but he sees this as a positive development. He expressed his views during a startup and tech event in Paris, where he stated that in the future, jobs would be “optional.” Musk emphasized that AI and robots would be able to provide any goods and services that people would need, leading to a scenario where jobs would be more of a hobby rather than a necessity.
For this future to be sustainable, Musk mentioned the need for a “universal high income,” which is different from the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI). UBI refers to the government providing a certain amount of money to everyone, regardless of their earnings. Musk highlighted that with AI advancements in recent years, there would be no shortage of goods or services, making jobs less essential for survival in society.
Elon Musk has expressed concerns about AI in the past, describing it as his biggest fear. He referenced the “Culture Book Series” by Ian Banks as a realistic portrayal of a society governed by advanced technology. Musk raised questions about the emotional fulfillment that people would experience in a future where AI can outperform humans in various tasks, suggesting that humans may still play a role in giving AI meaning.
In addition to his thoughts on AI and jobs, Musk advised parents to monitor and restrict their children’s exposure to social media, stating that these platforms are influenced by dopamine-maximizing AI. Industry experts have also been assessing the impact of AI on different sectors and job roles, with concerns about potential job displacement. However, reports suggest that workplaces are adopting AI slower than anticipated, and certain jobs requiring high emotional intelligence and human interaction are less likely to be automated.
Overall, while Elon Musk envisions a future where AI eliminates the need for traditional jobs, he also raises important questions about the role of humans in this scenario and the value of meaningful work. As AI technology continues to evolve, the implications for society and the workforce remain a topic of ongoing discussion and debate among experts and industry stakeholders.
