Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis is sounding the alarm about the impending impact of artificial intelligence on the job market. Speaking on the “Hard Fork” tech podcast, Hassabis advised teenagers to immerse themselves in AI technology, warning that it will disrupt certain jobs over the next 5 to 10 years. However, he also emphasized that new, more valuable, and interesting job opportunities will emerge.
Hassabis, who leads Google DeepMind, the research lab behind the company’s advanced AI developments, including the Gemini chatbot, encouraged young people to familiarize themselves with AI tools and concepts as soon as possible. “Just as the internet shaped millennials and smartphones defined Gen Z, generative AI is the hallmark of Gen Alpha,” he said.
Key Advice for Teens
Hassabis suggested that students preparing for university should adopt a mindset shift, becoming “ninjas” with the latest technologies. “Immerse yourself now,” he advised. “Learning to learn is key.” While emphasizing the importance of a solid STEM foundation, particularly coding, he also highlighted the value of “meta skills” such as creativity, adaptability, and resilience.
Preparing for an AI-Driven World
The CEO’s advice comes as the AI landscape continues to evolve rapidly following the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in 2022. As the race toward achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI) intensifies, Hassabis believes preparing young people to understand, use, and innovate with AI is one of the most critical challenges of our time.
Hassabis also stressed the importance of students understanding themselves and how they learn. “It’s important to use the time you have as an undergraduate to understand yourself better and learn how to learn,” he said, suggesting that flexibility and cognitive agility will be essential qualities in a world where machines increasingly perform tasks more efficiently.
In a rapidly changing technological landscape, Hassabis urges students to be proactive and curious, experimenting with new tools beyond their formal curriculum. “Learn the basics through your formal education, but experiment in your spare time so you’re up to date when you graduate,” he advised.
