A renowned computer scientist who contributed significantly to the development of artificial intelligence has identified a particular career he advises individuals to consider.
Geoffrey Hinton, a former Google employee, is now focused on highlighting the potential risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI), despite having played a crucial role in its evolution to its current state.
Often referred to as the ‘Godfather of AI’, Hinton, at 77, left his position at the search giant in 2023 to sound the alarm about AI, which he views as a significant threat to humanity.
“We should recognize that this stuff is an existential threat and we have to face the possibility that unless we do something soon we’re near the end,” Hinton shared with Steven Bartlett on The Diary of a CEO podcast.
Considering that this cognitive psychologist is wary of AI potentially dominating the globe, it seems prudent to start preparing, and one suggested approach is to carefully choose which careers to pursue.
While career selection might not directly shield us from an AI takeover reminiscent of I, Robot, it could be advantageous in the interim period.
When asked about his advice regarding career choices, Hinton suggested: “In the meantime, I’d say it’s going to be a long time before it’s as good at physical manipulation as us and so a good bet would be to be a plumber.”
Bartlett then inquired about which sectors might be most vulnerable to AI usurping human roles, particularly noting that professions like lawyers and accountants might soon be automated.
Hinton replied: “Yeah so that’s why I mentioned plumbers, I think plumbers are less at risk. Someone like a legal assistant, a paralegal – they’re not going to be needed for very long.”
Hinton is not alone in worrying about the future for the next generation, with Elon Musk also having been asked about AI’s progression and the types of careers he would recommend for his children.
“Well, that is a tough question to answer,” the Tesla CEO told CNBC after a pause lasting 13 seconds.
“I would just say to sort of follow their heart in terms of what they find interesting to do, or fulfilling to do.
“I mean, if I think about it too hard, frankly it can be dispiriting and demotivating because I mean I’ve put a lot of blood sweat and tears into building the companies and then I’m like, ‘wait should I be doing this?'”
Musk added: “Ultimately the AI can do all these things.
“To some extent I have to deliberate suspension of disbelief in order to to remain motivated, so I guess I would say just work on things that you find interesting, fulfilling and contribute some good to the rest of society.”