AI may eliminate 99% jobs in just 5 years, expert warns
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming an integral part of human life. From daily tasks to advanced decision-making, people are increasingly relying on AI-powered technologies. However, what appears to be a convenience today could turn into a major threat tomorrow. Renowned AI researcher Dr. Roman Yampolskiy has issued a stark warning, claiming that the coming years could be extremely challenging for human employment, as AI may wipe out nearly 99 percent of jobs within a few years.
Unprecedented levels of unemployment ahead
Dr. Yampolskiy, a professor at the University of Louisville and a Latvia-born computer scientist, made this alarming prediction during an interview on “The Diary of a CEO” podcast. He cautioned that the world is heading toward an era of unemployment on a scale never witnessed before. According to him, within the next five years, almost all forms of physical labor could be fully automated through machines and AI systems.
He stressed that this is not about 10 or 20 percent job losses, but a scenario where up to 99 percent unemployment becomes a reality. In his view, there is hardly any human task that cannot eventually be replaced by automation.
No turning back after 2045
Dr. Yampolskiy, who has published over 100 academic papers on AI safety and risks, also warned about the long-term future. He believes that by 2045, society may reach a technological point of no return. At that stage, reversing or controlling AI-driven changes could become impossible. He emphasized that the upcoming transformation will be far more extensive than any previous industrial revolution, and the pace of AI development could push it beyond effective human control.
Only ‘luxury’ human jobs may survive
Despite predicting massive unemployment, Dr. Yampolskiy noted that a small number of jobs may still survive, but only as a matter of preference or prestige. According to him, roles involving a human touch may exist purely as a luxury. For example, a wealthy individual might choose a human accountant instead of an AI system for status or personal satisfaction. Apart from such niche cases, most routine and professional tasks are expected to be handled by AI.