The turbulent era of artificial intelligence is here

AI is both the most powerful tool for advancing equity and the greatest threat to equity that humans have ever invented. AI's ability to replace and exceed human cognition will usher in one of the most turbulent eras in history. Many jobs will disappear. White-collar jobs first, with blue-collar ones to follow. AI could empower criminals to create bombs, bioweapons, and computer viruses. AI could stunt our kids' development and replace human relationships. At the same time, the positive things about AI will be amazing. AI will accelerate innovation in the world's toughest technical challenges, providing reliable clean energy for everyone, avoiding climate change, growing enough food, stopping diseases, improving education, and a lot more. If we manage the transition well, the good will vastly outweigh the bad. But I worry that we aren't preparing. There's no plan to ease the entry into the AI era, and not even a plan to have a plan. How do we ensure that the benefits of AI reach everyone, particularly those without wealth, influence, and access? I released a memo that challenges the world to put this very high on the agenda. The world has a chance to act now, before unemployment rises sharply, communities are hurting, and public trust has eroded. This unprecedented technology demands an unprecedented response in every country and globally. If we get it right, the payoff for humanity will be phenomenal, and the world will be a more equitable place.