TLDR:
- Elon Musk predicts AI will result in widespread unemployment and humans may need a “universal high income.”
- He suggests that without jobs, humans may need to find purpose in giving meaning to AI.
In a recent speech at the VivaTech 2024 event in Paris, Elon Musk reiterated his belief that artificial intelligence (AI) will surpass human capabilities and lead to widespread job displacement. Musk foresees a future where AI will provide all goods and services, rendering human employment obsolete. He expressed concerns about the impact of AI on society, stating that without jobs, humans may struggle to find meaning in their lives. Musk suggested that humans could potentially work as a hobby, but ultimately, AI will outperform us in all endeavors.
Despite his grim predictions, Musk’s AI company, xAI, has secured $6 billion in funding from major investors, positioning itself as a potential competitor to industry leaders such as OpenAI and DeepMind. Musk believes that xAI could catch up to these companies by the end of 2024, indicating his confidence in creating AI capable of human-level cognition. However, it is worth noting that Musk’s previous AI-related predictions, such as the deployment of fully autonomous robotaxis by 2020, have not always come to fruition.
While Musk’s views on AI and employment may seem pessimistic, they highlight the need for society to prepare for the potential impact of advancing technology on the workforce. As AI continues to evolve, discussions around universal basic income and the role of humans in a future dominated by machines will become increasingly relevant.