This article was inspired by Roman Yampolskiy and the podcast The Diary of a CEO (Bartlett, 2025).
AI is already a major disruptor, not only for business but for all aspects of life. Since the first model of ChatGPT was publicly available, the usage of this tool has increased from an estimated 100 million monthly users in January 2023 (Hu, 2023) to an estimated 700 million weekly users by August 2025 (CNBC, 2025). This immense growth has me thinking about the future growth of LLMs (large language models), AI and its influence on the labour markets.
Artificial general intelligence (AGI) is a – still hypothetical – intelligent system that has the ability to understand and learn any task a human can perform (Google Cloud, n.d.). If you are already impressed by the capabilities of current AI, just imagine what self-correcting, self-learning intelligent machines (AGIs) can do. Once developed, these systems could theoretically be used to do any task a human currently can do (and likely do it even better). Recently, computer science professor Roman Yampolskiy predicted that AGI could be developed as early as 2030 (Shibu, 2025).
Current AI models can already automate a lot of routine work. Think about the growing number of customer-service chatbots you encounter. The current use of AI is already reducing demand for entry-level administrative and support roles.
Professor Roman Yampolskiy has argued that wide implementation of AGI could cause 99% of all workers to be unemployed (Shibu, 2025). But do we need to worry? Perhaps, but adoption speed matters. The sheer existence of a technology doesn’t directly mean its complete implementation. Remember, it took years for the internet to completely reshape the world. This should give policymakers time to establish clear boundaries while allowing workers to educate themselves. Ultimately, how we act today will determine whether AGI becomes a threat to humankind or a tool to help us thrive.
References (APA 7th)
- Bartlett, S. (Host). (2025, September 3). Roman Yampolskiy: These are the only 5 jobs that will remain in 2030 & proof we’re living in a simulation! [Audio podcast episode]. In The Diary of a CEO. Flight Studio. https://podcasts.apple.com/…/1000724933846
- CNBC. (2025, August 4). OpenAI’s ChatGPT to hit 700 million weekly users, up 4x from last year. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/04/openai-chatgpt-700-million-users.html
- Google Cloud. (n.d.). What is artificial general intelligence (AGI)? Google Cloud. Retrieved September 11, 2025, from https://cloud.google.com/discover/what-is-artificial-general-intelligence
- Hu, K. (2023, February 2). ChatGPT sets record for fastest-growing user base—analyst note. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/technology/chatgpt-sets-record-fastest-growing-user-base-analyst-note-2023-02-01/
- Shibu, S. (2025, September 4). AI could cause 99% of all workers to be unemployed in the next five years, says computer science professor. Entrepreneur. https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/ai-could-lead-to-mass-joblessness-within-the-next-5-years/496742
Author: Olaf Huiting 623593oh
Nice post! And I appreciate how it frames Yampolskiy’s stark prediction in contrast with more tempered forecasts. His claims (The 99% unemployment by 2030) rest on two key premises. First, that AGI will automate both cognitive and physical labor, creating effectively unlimited “free labor”, and second, that unlike past technological disruptions there will be no new roles for humans to transition into.
History offers another perspective, from the industrial revolution to the rise ot the internet, every major disruption has followed a J-curve. Which meant an initial job loss, followed by transformation and growth. Yampolskiy’s argument essentially predicts a broken J-curve. No rebound, no new industries. While the unprecedented pace of AI makes that concern plausible, the resilience shown by societies in the past suggest adaptation is possible, though the challenges may be shaper this time0.
In the end the real issue may not be total unemployment but the entry-level squeeze. Where young workers are missing out on formative opportunities as AI automates basic tasks. That could have long-term consequences for skill building and innovation.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment. I agree that normally the disruptions follow a J-curve. However, when AGI has the ability to self-improve and become rogue (i.e. humans lose control of the AGI), it could pose an existential risk to humankind.
Secondly, the entry-level squeeze is already happening in my opinion. However, I think it could take a few years for this change to fully materialize.
Let’s see what the future will bring!