On June 16, 2025, Geoffrey Hinton, renowned as the “Godfather of AI,” voiced significant concerns regarding the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and its potential to displace a substantial portion of the workforce. In an interview on the ‘Diary of a CEO’ podcast, Hinton emphasized that while AI is poised to surpass human capabilities in various domains, jobs involving physical labor, such as plumbing, are less susceptible to automation in the near term. He highlighted that intellectual, repetitive jobs are most at risk, citing paralegals and call center employees as examples.
Hinton’s apprehensions extend beyond mere job displacement. He warned of broader societal implications, including mass unemployment and a potential loss of purpose for many individuals, even if mitigated by measures like universal basic income (UBI). He stated, “Even if you have UBI, people want to do something,” underscoring the psychological impact of joblessness.
The AI pioneer also noted that while certain industries might see humans working alongside AI assistants, this collaboration could still lead to a significant reduction in the number of jobs. He explained that one person might do what used to be the work of ten, leading to mass layoffs across many sectors. However, he acknowledged that some fields, like healthcare, might fare better due to perpetual demand.
Hinton’s concerns are shared by other industry experts. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has also advocated for UBI as a solution to offset AI’s economic impacts. Altman’s study showed that UBI alleviated stress and food insecurity but did not address deeper issues like healthcare and housing costs.
The discussion around AI’s impact on employment is not new. The term “technological unemployment” describes the loss of jobs caused by technological change. Historical examples include artisan weavers reduced to poverty after the introduction of mechanized looms. In recent times, the adoption of modern robotics has led to net employment growth, but many businesses anticipate that automation would result in job losses in the future.
Hinton’s warnings serve as a call to action for policymakers and society at large. As AI continues to evolve, there is an urgent need to address the potential economic and psychological impacts of widespread job displacement. Implementing measures like UBI and investing in retraining programs could be vital steps in mitigating these challenges.
