In a recent interview, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman offered a reassuring message about the future of work in the face of artificial intelligence (AI). He dismissed concerns about widespread unemployment caused by AI, instead urging students to embrace and learn the technology. Altman believes that while certain jobs may evolve or change, there will still be plenty of opportunities available. He encourages students worried about AI replacing their jobs to focus on learning how to use AI, a strategy he personally found successful in his own career path with computer programming.
Altman’s optimistic outlook stands in contrast to the predictions of Silicon Valley investor Vinod Khosla, who believes AI could replace 80% of the tasks in 80% of jobs. Khosla warns that unlike previous technological shifts, workers may not be able to simply upgrade their skills to avoid job losses.
However, a recent study by Indeed, a job search platform, identified over 2,800 work skills and concluded that none of them were “very likely” to be replaced by AI. Indeed’s chief economist, Svenja Gudell, acknowledges that some individuals may lose their jobs due to technological advancements, but emphasizes that current AI technology is not capable of replacing humans in roles like warehouse work.
Despite the anxieties about an AI-induced job apocalypse, it seems that people are taking Altman’s advice and investing in tech education. Code Ninjas, a company that teaches software engineering to children, plans to add 200 locations to its existing 350 due to strong demand.
The ongoing debate about AI’s impact on employment highlights the importance of education and training in navigating the evolving job market. While some see AI as a threat to jobs, others see it as an opportunity for workers to adapt and learn new skills. The growth of companies like Code Ninjas indicates a growing demand for tech education, suggesting that many are choosing to embrace, rather than fear, the rise of AI.
