One of the most influential scientists in the field of artificial intelligence — Geoffrey Hinton, often called the “father of AI” — has warned humanity about a serious threat, reports bbc.com. According to him, AI technologies could radically transform the labor market in the coming years, and the consequences may not be as positive as expected.
Hinton noted that this revolution will make some people extremely rich, but most will become poorer. “Some people will get much richer, while the majority will grow poorer. It’s not AI’s fault — that’s just how capitalism works,” he said.
The scientist believes that large-scale use of AI by corporations will expand unemployment. He emphasized that office workers, accountants, administrative staff, and analysts are among the most vulnerable — their professions are at high risk of full automation.
Although tech companies often claim that “AI will create as many jobs as it destroys,” Hinton is skeptical. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), office jobs are the most exposed to generative AI, and estimates suggest that by 2040, a quarter of all U.S. jobs — roughly 25% — could disappear.
Hinton also rejected the idea of a Universal Basic Income (UBI), which is being promoted by AI leaders such as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. He believes this would not solve the deeper problem: “People don’t work just for money — they work to feel useful and needed. If we lose that feeling, society will weaken spiritually,” Hinton said.
He further warned that within 5–20 years, “superintelligence” — an intellect surpassing human capabilities — may emerge. Such a breakthrough could mark a turning point in history, leading either to immense progress or potentially catastrophic outcomes.
According to Hinton, the most urgent task now is to keep AI development under control and manage its social impact. “AI can bring enormous benefits to humanity, but if we fail to control it, it might end up controlling us,” he concluded.
For now, the global community has no unified approach to this issue, but Hinton’s warning once again highlights that uncontrolled AI growth poses not only technological but also ethical risks.
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