Geoffrey Hinton sounds alarm: mass joblessness from AI is already here

Geoffrey Hinton, often called the 'Godfather of AI,' has sounded a stark warning about the immediate impact of artificial intelligence on employment. He emphasized that "mundane intellectual labor" faces the highest risk of being wiped out as AI technologies advance.

Hinton highlighted the threat of mass job displacement as a major factor contributing to human unhappiness, noting that even with universal basic income, people might struggle with a loss of purpose without traditional jobs. "The risk of mass job displacement is the biggest immediate threat to human unhappiness," he said.

He also suggested that some jobs will evolve rather than disappear, with humans working alongside AI assistants. However, this shift means one person could perform the work previously done by ten, intensifying workforce reductions.

"So a good bet would be to be a plumber," Hinton advised, pointing to trades less vulnerable to automation.

Supporting this outlook, a recent report from venture capital firm SignalFire revealed a sharp decline in hiring for entry-level roles at major tech companies. The percentage of new graduate hires at firms like Meta and Google dropped by 25% from 2023 to 2024, falling to just 7% in 2024. AI adoption is cited as a significant factor behind this trend.

This convergence of expert warnings and hiring data underscores the profound and immediate challenges AI poses to the labor market, especially for new entrants and those in routine intellectual jobs.

Geoffrey Hinton, the 'Godfather of AI,' warns that mass joblessness driven by AI is already occurring, with mundane intellectual labor most at risk. He predicts significant job displacement, especially in entry-level roles, urging people to consider trades like plumbing as AI reshapes the workforce.