AI Expert Predicts Automation Will Eliminate 99% of Jobs by 2027

A prominent AI safety expert has issued a stark warning that automation could eliminate up to 99 percent of jobs by 2027. Dr. Roman V. Yampolskiy, a Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Louisville, shared his insights during an appearance on the podcast *The Diary of a CEO*, hosted by entrepreneur Steven Bartlett. He emphasized the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and its potential to disrupt the workforce fundamentally.

During the podcast, Dr. Yampolskiy expressed concerns about the implications of advanced AI technologies, stating that they could lead to human extinction if mismanaged. He noted a significant increase in AI capabilities, indicating that current advancements could soon surpass human intelligence. “I can predict that before we reach superintelligence, someone will create a very advanced biological tool, such as a novel virus, which could endanger humanity,” he warned.

Dr. Yampolskiy, who has previously received funding from billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk for his research on advanced intelligent systems, elaborated on the dangers posed by AI in the wrong hands. He pointed to historical instances of violence and the potential for technology to amplify such threats. “We have seen doomsday cults and terrorists who, if equipped with powerful technology, would not hesitate to cause widespread harm,” he said.

Living in a Simulation?

In addition to his predictions about job losses, Dr. Yampolskiy discussed the intriguing notion that humanity might be living in a simulation. He referenced the simulation theory popularized by philosopher Nick Bostrom, which posits that advanced civilizations could create simulated realities that vastly outnumber actual ones. “If we are capable of creating human-level AI and indistinguishable virtual realities, the likelihood that we are in a simulation becomes increasingly plausible,” he stated.

Dr. Yampolskiy explained that the proliferation of video games and virtual environments only strengthens this hypothesis. “With billions of children playing countless games, the number of simulations could far exceed the number of real worlds,” he noted, suggesting that the very nature of existence might be more complex than previously thought.

The Future of Employment

The professor’s predictions extend to the job market, where he believes the rise of AI will render traditional roles obsolete. He remarked on the futility of retraining for new careers, as AI systems will likely outperform humans in various tasks. “Positions like prompt engineering, once seen as promising, are quickly being overshadowed by AI capabilities,” he asserted.

As AI systems continue to develop at an accelerated pace, concerns are growing about their impact on society and the economy. Dr. Yampolskiy suggests that while AI could lead to job losses, it might also create a scenario where basic needs are met through the abundance generated by automation. “If we harness AI properly, we could provide for everyone’s basic needs, making previously unaffordable goods accessible,” he explained.

Nevertheless, he warned that the societal implications of such a transformation remain uncertain. “The challenge lies in how society adapts to the reality of having so much free time with little to no work,” he said. Questions about crime rates, family structures, and overall societal behavior will need to be addressed as AI continues to evolve.

Dr. Yampolskiy’s insights present a thought-provoking glimpse into a future shaped by AI, with profound implications for employment, ethics, and the very nature of reality itself. As discussions around AI regulation and safety intensify, his warnings serve as a critical reminder of the responsibilities accompanying technological advancement.