Sam Altman Says If Jobs Gets Wiped Out, Maybe They Weren't Even "Real Work" to Start With

Futurism
Futurism
3M ago
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman suggests that AI may eliminate many jobs, but he believes new roles will emerge, reflecting on the nature of work. This matters as it raises concerns about job security in the AI era.
Sam Altman Says If Jobs Gets Wiped Out, Maybe They Weren't Even "Real Work" to Start With
A What happened
In a recent interview at OpenAI's DevDay conference, CEO Sam Altman addressed the potential impact of AI on employment, suggesting that many current jobs might be perceived as less 'real' compared to essential roles like farming. He referenced a thought experiment comparing today's job landscape to that of a farmer from fifty years ago, who might struggle to envision the job opportunities created by the internet. Altman expressed a mixed sentiment about the future, feeling both reassured and concerned about the changes AI will bring. He emphasized that while many jobs may be threatened, new roles will emerge, and human creativity will adapt to these changes. Altman's comments highlight the ongoing debate about the nature of work and the transformative effects of technology on employment.

Key insights

  • 1

    Job Transformation: AI is expected to change the nature of work significantly.

  • 2

    Historical Perspective: Comparing modern jobs to past roles offers insight into future employment.

  • 3

    Human Adaptability: Altman believes humans will find new roles despite job losses.

Takeaways

Altman's remarks underscore the uncertainty surrounding AI's impact on jobs, suggesting that while many roles may disappear, new opportunities will likely arise as society adapts to technological advancements.

Topics

Technology & Innovation Artificial Intelligence Business & Markets Economy Work & Education Careers & Work

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