OpenAI CEO Sam Altman calls job disruption a “cyclical process” and believes Gen Z will thrive, while experts warn of an AI-driven societal upheaval.
AI and the Future of Work: Why Sam Altman Is Optimistic About Gen Z
Amid growing fears of artificial intelligence (AI) displacing human jobs, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has shared a contrastingly upbeat view. He believes that Generation Z—those born roughly between the mid-1990s and early 2010s—are the “luckiest kids in history” because of the opportunities AI will create.
Speaking on the Huge If True podcast with host Cleo Abram, Altman acknowledged that some job roles will vanish entirely due to AI but emphasized that such transitions are part of a cyclical economic pattern.
Key Highlights from Altman’s Statement
- “Some classes of jobs will totally go away,” Altman admitted, as quoted in a Fortune report.
- Despite that, he said, “I would feel like the luckiest kid in all of history.”
- He believes young people are best equipped to adapt to rapid technological shifts.
- Altman expressed more concern for older workers, especially those unwilling or unable to retrain or reskill.
“I’m more worried about what it means for the 62-year-old that doesn’t want to go retrain,” Altman said.
He sees AI as an empowering force for young creators, giving them tools to rapidly build and innovate.
Rising Concerns: Not Everyone Shares Altman’s Optimism
While Altman envisions a future filled with possibility, others are sounding the alarm.
Mo Gawdat’s Dire Prediction
- Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X, warned that AI could collapse the middle class and lead to social unrest.
- He predicted that white-collar jobs will begin disappearing by 2027, affecting even CEOs, software developers, and podcasters.
- “The next 15 years will be hell before we get to heaven,” Gawdat stated.
“Unless you’re in the top 0.1%, you’re a peasant. There is no middle class.”
Geoffrey Hinton’s Caution
- Geoffrey Hinton, widely known as the “Godfather of AI,” previously warned that AI may soon develop its own language, making it impossible for humans to monitor or control.
Final Thoughts: A Divided Future
As AI technology evolves, the world stands at a crossroads. While leaders like Sam Altman see opportunity for younger generations, others like Mo Gawdat and Geoffrey Hinton warn of disruption and inequality.
What remains clear is this: AI is not just reshaping jobs—it’s redefining the structure of society itself.
