Science & Tech · AI · 5 hrs ago
Acemoglu says AI could triple unemployment within a decade
Daron Acemoglu, a Turkish-American economist and MIT professor, says artificial intelligence could triple unemployment within ten years if no action is taken.
He made the warning in an interview with CBS and has called for stronger regulation to promote social fairness.
A London School of Economics review of 74 studies found estimates of AI’s effect on employment ranging from a 20% drop to a 25% rise.
Most economists are less pessimistic, arguing that earlier predictions of job losses from new technologies proved wrong and often underestimated new jobs.
Acemoglu says AI is changing many industries at once and doing so much faster than earlier industrial shifts.
His view has drawn sharp criticism, while the debate over AI’s effects on jobs remains unsettled.
Daron Acemoglu says that without action, artificial intelligence could triple unemployment within 10 years.
The Turkish-American economist argues that the pace and reach of AI-driven change make it unlike previous technological shifts.
He supports stronger regulation to promote social justice.
His pessimistic view contrasts with many economists, who expect new jobs to offset some losses.
- Who
- Daron Acemoglu, a Nobel laureate and MIT professor.
- What
- He warned that AI could triple unemployment within 10 years if no action is taken.
- When
- He made the warning in an interview with CBS during the week before the article was published.
- Where
- The warning was made in an interview with CBS; a more specific location is not stated.
- Why
- Acemoglu says AI-driven change is unprecedented in speed and affects many industries at once.
Daron Acemoglu
Many economists
Employment outlook
Daron Acemoglu
Acemoglu says AI could triple unemployment within 10 years without action.
Many economists
Many economists are less pessimistic and argue that new jobs are often underestimated.
Pace of change
Daron Acemoglu
Acemoglu says AI change is unprecedented and is happening within one or two years across many industries.
Many economists
Not stated.
What we are experiencing in the field of AI is unprecedented. The first phase of the industrial revolution lasted 80 years. Today this change is taking place within one or two years and affects numerous industries at the same time.
The Economist published two articles about Acemoglu, including criticism of his work.
Acemoglu reiterated his view in an interview with CBS, warning that AI could triple unemployment within 10 years without action.
Watson published its article about Acemoglu’s views on AI and employment.
- Possible unemployment increase
- Could triple within 10 years without action
- Studies in an LSE meta-study
- 74
- Range of employment estimates
- Minus 20% to plus 25%
- Economics Nobel Prize
- 2024
- Acemoglu’s affiliation
- MIT
Sources
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