Bill Gates and Barack Obama Warn of AI’s Threat to Jobs
As artificial intelligence (AI) brings revolutionary changes to human life, global leaders have raised concerns about the looming threat it poses to job security. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and former United States President Barack Obama have issued strong warnings regarding the profound impact of AI on employment.
Bill Gates stated that in the coming decade, skills currently considered rare—such as those of highly trained doctors and teachers—will become widely accessible and freely available due to AI advancements. “This will solve several challenges like medical advice and tutoring. However, it will completely change the nature of jobs and the way work is done. It might be enough to work just two or three days a week,” said Bill Gates. While he acknowledged the potential of AI innovations, he also remarked that the changes they bring could be frightening.
Barack Obama warned that AI technology will be faster and more impactful than all previous technological shifts. “This is not just automation in the manufacturing sector. AI can perform high-level cognitive tasks. It is already coding better than many software developers. Even high-paying jobs in Silicon Valley are at risk,” explained Barack Obama.
He stated that while highly skilled professionals may use AI to enhance their work, there is a real danger that ordinary jobs will disappear entirely. “It’s not just about factory workers or labourers. Now everyone will have to ask themselves, ‘How do I earn a livelihood? How do I support my family?’ We are entering a time when, despite high productivity, we must consider how to distribute it—and question what the true meaning of life is,” emphasized Barack Obama.