Elon Musk has once again stirred the conversation about the future of work, predicting that artificial intelligence (AI) will eventually take over all jobs. During his virtual appearance at VivaTech 2024 in Paris, Musk outlined a vision where traditional employment could become a relic of the past.
“Probably none of us will have a job,” Musk declared at the tech conference on Thursday. He described a future where jobs are optional and AI, along with robots, handles the production of goods and services.
In this job-optional future, Musk suggested that people might work only if they choose to, treating jobs more like hobbies. “If you want to do a job that’s kinda like a hobby, you can do a job,” Musk explained. “But otherwise, AI and the robots will provide any goods and services that you want.”
To support this shift, Musk proposed the concept of “universal high income,” distinguishing it from universal basic income (UBI). While he did not provide detailed specifics, he implied a system where everyone receives a substantial income regardless of their employment status. UBI typically involves the government providing a set amount of money to all citizens, irrespective of earnings.
“There would be no shortage of goods or services,” Musk emphasized, indicating that AI could not only replace human labor but also ensure abundant availability of products and services.
The rapid advancements in AI have created a sense of urgency among regulators, companies, and consumers to adapt responsibly. There are ongoing concerns about how AI will transform industries and the job market.
In January, a study by MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab revealed that AI adoption in workplaces has been slower than some had anticipated. The research found that many jobs initially thought to be at risk of AI automation were not yet economically viable for employers to automate. This suggests that while AI has the potential to take over jobs, its implementation is complex and gradual.
Experts generally agree that roles requiring high emotional intelligence and human interaction, such as mental health professionals, creatives, and educators, are less likely to be replaced by AI. These jobs, which involve nuanced human emotions and interpersonal skills, remain largely irreplaceable by machines.
Despite his enthusiasm for AI’s potential, Musk has frequently voiced concerns about its impact. During his keynote, he labeled AI as his “biggest fear.” He referenced Ian Banks’ “Culture Book Series,” which depicts a utopian society governed by advanced AI, as one of the most realistic visions of a future dominated by intelligent machines.
However, Musk also raised an important question about the potential emotional and existential impacts of a job-free world. “The question will really be one of meaning—if the computer and robots can do everything better than you, does your life have meaning?” he pondered. Musk suggested that humans might still play a crucial role in giving AI a sense of purpose, indicating that our interaction with and oversight of AI could provide a new form of meaning in our lives.
Additionally, Musk addressed the influence of AI on social media, particularly concerning children. He urged parents to limit their children’s exposure to social media, warning that “they’re being programmed by a dopamine-maximizing AI.” This remark underscores his broader concerns about the unintended consequences of AI, especially in areas affecting mental health and well-being. As AI continues to develop and integrate into various aspects of life, Musk’s insights and warnings highlight the profound changes and challenges society may face. The conversation about the future of work, the role of AI, and the quest for meaning in a potentially job-optional world is just beginning.
