At a gathering in Lancaster House in London, Elon Musk discussed the future of AI, foreseeing a time when human work may become obsolete.
He compared AI to a “magic genie” that could eventually replace all human roles, rendering traditional jobs unnecessary.
While people may still choose to work for personal satisfaction, Musk suggested that AI has the potential to perform all tasks. He noted that finding meaning in life could become a significant challenge when work is no longer a necessity.
Musk also mentioned the importance of ensuring that robots and AI systems have an “off switch” for safety. He expressed concerns about the possibility of AI becoming unfriendly due to software updates, emphasising the need to prevent stalking AI.
During the event, Musk mentioned the potential benefits of AI, including its use in education as a tutor, offering universal high income instead of universal basic income.
He also discussed the idea of AI companions, particularly for individuals who struggle with social interactions. Musk’s conversation with Rishi Sunak, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, covered various aspects of AI development and its implications for society.
Elon Musk highlighted London’s role in AI development, ranking it second only to San Francisco. He praised the event as being historically significant and commended Sunak for inviting China to participate.
The discussion underlined the transformative impact AI could have on the future of work and the need for ethical considerations in AI development.