Geoffrey Hinton says AI will cause massive unemployment and send profits soaring
Geoffrey Hinton says AI will cause massive unemployment and send profits soaring
Publish Date: 2026-01-12 03:00:00
Source Domain: fortune.com
- Geoffrey Hinton, a prominent AI pioneer dubbed the “godfather of AI,” predicts that AI will lead to significant unemployment while greatly increasing profits for the wealthy.
- He believes AI will disproportionately benefit the wealthy at the expense of the lower-income populace, reflecting inherent capitalist structures.
- Hinton dismisses universal basic income as a solution, arguing it doesn’t address the intrinsic human value of having a job.
- While acknowledging some roles, notably in healthcare, may be safe, he believes AI will take over simple, routinized jobs.
- Hinton warns of AI risks, including misuse for harmful purposes and long-term threats from potential superintelligence.
- He shared anecdotes on his personal use of AI, including a humorous account of how a former girlfriend used it during their breakup.
- Hinton clarified that he left Google not to speak freely about AI risks, but because he felt it was time to retire and watch Netflix content.
- The uncertainty about AI’s future underscores both its immense potential and its inherent dangers.
