‘None of us will have a job’: Elon Musk makes big claims about AI taking over human jobs

Elon Musk

Elon Musk is making bold predictions again—this time about artificial intelligence taking over jobs. Speaking at the VivaTech 2024 conference in Paris, Musk said that in the future, "probably none of us will have a job." He believes AI and robots will take care of almost everything. It will leave human jobs as something optional—more like a hobby.

"But otherwise, AI and the robots will provide any goods and services that you want," Musk said, as reported by CNN. He added that such a world would need a system of "universal high income" to ensure people have enough to live on. In other words, even if no one is working, there would be no shortage of resources.

While that might sound like a dream or a nightmare, depending on how you see it, Musk pointed out a deeper concern—would people still feel a sense of purpose? "The question will really be one of meaning—if the computer and robots can do everything better than you, does your life have meaning?" he asked. He suggested that humans might still have a role to play, perhaps in giving AI a sense of purpose.

Not everyone agrees with Musk's vision. According to researchers at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab, workplaces are actually adopting AI much more slowly than some have feared. A study from earlier this year found that many jobs predicted to be replaced by AI are not being automated simply because it's not economically beneficial for companies yet. Additionally, experts argue that jobs requiring human connection, like therapists, artists, and teachers, are less likely to be taken over by AI.

Beyond jobs, Musk also had strong opinions on social media and its impact on children. He warned parents to limit their kids' exposure to social media, saying, "They're being programmed by a dopamine-maximizing AI."
Musk's predictions often spark debate, and this one is no different. Will AI really take over all jobs, or is this just another case of overestimating technology's reach? Either way, it's a conversation that’s far from over.