Mark Zuckerberg says AI will create ‘abundance of jobs’, college may become optional
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has expressed optimism about the impact of artificial intelligence on the job market, arguing that AI will create an "abundance of jobs" rather than make many careers obsolete. In a recent essay on Meta's website, Zuckerberg dismissed predictions that AI would render human workers largely irrelevant, stating that the notion of granting absolute power to AI seems problematic.
Historically, he notes, the idea of a benevolent power providing for humanity has not led to safe or positive outcomes. Instead, Zuckerberg believes AI could generate demand for new products, services, and industries that do not yet exist. He points to examples such as app developers, social media influencers, electric vehicle technicians, and data center operators, all of which were rare or nonexistent a generation ago.
He expects AI to bring about similar transformations, envisioning roles like one-person studios designing physical products, world builders creating virtual environments, and personal biologists developing individualized treatments. However, Zuckerberg acknowledges that the transition may be challenging if automation outpaces workers' ability to develop new skills, potentially leading to a period of job displacement and societal difficulties.
To mitigate this risk, he suggests that governments and businesses must invest more in preparing people for careers less exposed to automation, such as skilled trades. The debate over AI's impact on employment also raises questions about the relevance of traditional education. Zuckerberg, who did not complete his Harvard degree, has previously questioned whether college is always worth the financial burden, particularly when it does not guarantee preparedness for the available jobs.
In a podcast interview, he suggested that the assumption everyone should attend college may need to be reconsidered, as more people may come to recognize that not all careers require a college degree.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
