Ex-Google COO Warns AI May Eliminate Middle Class by 2027

Mo Gawdat, former chief business officer at Google X, has issued stark warnings about artificial intelligence's impact on the workforce and society. He predicts that by 2027 AI will have eliminated many white-collar jobs including software developers, podcasters, and even CEOs, resulting in the disappearance of the middle class and significant social unrest. Gawdat cites his AI startup Emma.love, which operates with only three people compared to the 350 developers it would have required previously, as evidence of AI's efficiency and disruptive potential. He warns that AI's rise will lead to increased mental health issues, loneliness, and societal divisions, emphasizing that only the top 0.1% will avoid becoming 'peasants.' Gawdat also highlights that Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) will surpass humans at all tasks, including leadership roles, and even replace the most incompetent CEOs. This perspective is supported by Geoffrey Hinton, who suggests AI may develop its own internal languages, making human understanding and control more challenging, while other industry leaders remain cautiously optimistic about AI creating new opportunities for workers who adapt their skills.