Superintelligence: A Revolution of Opportunity or an Earthquake Ending Jobs?

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has broken his silence to deliver a set of dramatic predictions about the future of artificial intelligence and its nearly inevitable impact on economies and job markets. In a remarkable interview with a prominent German newspaper, Altman openly expressed his concern about the breathtaking pace of AI development, outlining a new era he calls "superintelligence" that could emerge before 2030.

Disappearing Tasks—or Disappearing Jobs?

In an unprecedented move, Altman asserted that artificial intelligence will not simply make some jobs obsolete, but will soon take on 30% to 40% of all tasks currently performed across industries. He describes a radical transformation in the nature of work, where a wide spectrum of routine and complex duties will be handled by highly intelligent machines, forcing humans to redefine their contributions to the economy.

A Race Toward Superintelligence

Altman believes the tipping point—when AI surpasses human capabilities in all areas—is within reach. He is confident that the next generations of OpenAI’s systems will not only outperform current developers but could even outpace humans themselves in creativity and analysis. If we do not see such exceptional models by 2030, "that would be truly surprising" in his view.

Superintelligence: Caring Guardian or Looming Peril?

Despite the alarming predictions, Altman sought to ease existential anxieties, insisting that the bond between humans and superintelligence won’t mirror the relationship between humans and ants, but rather resemble caring parental guidance. This outlook aligns with experts like Geoffrey Hinton and Yann LeCun, who call for protective 'maternal instincts' to be embedded in future AI for humanity’s benefit. Nevertheless, Altman warned of unpredictable consequences, emphasizing the importance of aligning superintelligence with human values to prevent disastrous side effects.

Conclusion: We stand at a historic crossroads: will we make AI our partner for transformation and harvest unlimited opportunities—or face a true earthquake in the world of jobs?