Artificial intelligence may one day make some of life’s most stubborn headaches cheap solutions. The problem is that humans have to strain through 20 years of change first, a bit like being promised a dream vacation after the longest layover in the world.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said that even the best-case scenario of artificial intelligence will bring about a series of disruptions that society has never seen before.
“My biggest concern is this 20-year transition period, where there are going to be winners and losers and a lot of disruption that we have to get through to get to that period of abundance,” Gates said on the Oct. 22 episode of the “Decoder” podcast.
Gates isn’t peddling the end of the world. He believes that artificial intelligence can help cure diseases, improve classrooms, and make scarce items less scarce.
His concern is that society views risks as distant rumours, while risks already coexist with benefits.
Read more: Warren Buffett bought this company in 1988 when ‘no one’ wanted it – and it now pays Berkshire $848 million a year
The countdown to AI revolution has begun
In an article published in August titled “The Turbulent Age of Artificial Intelligence is Here. The Choices We Make Now Matter,” Gates described artificial intelligence as a technology that can spread opportunity or deepen inequality.
“Artificial intelligence will be either the greatest equalizer of all time or the greatest source of injustice,” Gates wrote.
He believes that good things and bad things happen at the same time, leaving little room for governments and communities to adjust. Early technological changes occurred over several generations. Artificial intelligence could reshape entire industries within a decade.
Gates also warned that those who need the most time to prepare may get the least, especially workers whose jobs are most vulnerable to automation.
Tom Brenner/Getty Images
The dangers of artificial intelligence extend far beyond paychecks
Gates also expressed concern about artificial intelligence helping bad guys carry out devastating attacks. In a September interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” he warned that the technology could lead to unprecedented disasters.
“Artificial intelligence is indeed powerful enough to drive events that kill a billion people,” Gates told host Kristen Welker.
More from Microsoft:
- Morgan Stanley resets Microsoft stock forecast ahead of earnings release
- Bank of America doubles down on Microsoft stock ahead of earnings release
- Citi revise Microsoft stock price target for remainder of 2026
He has also pushed for government involvement, arguing that technology companies cannot manage risks with voluntary safeguards alone.
The warning adds weight to his 20-year forecast. The challenge isn’t just helping people adapt to a changing economy. It also prevents powerful tools from falling into the wrong hands while ensuring the public actually benefits.
A speech to inspire the next generation
If artificial intelligence is about to touch almost every field, young people entering the labor market will face an embarrassing problem. What makes humans worth hiring when machines can handle more work?
Gates acknowledged that the technology can be intimidating for those hoping to build a career and do meaningful work. But he expressed a more optimistic view in the “Decoder” interview.
Gates said: “If you are in your 20s today, in these 20 years, you can do things that artificial intelligence still cannot do, you can use artificial intelligence, you can have a lot of good impacts, you can make policy recommendations.”
He also suggested that society may eventually choose to have certain activities dominated by humans, even if artificial intelligence can complete them faster.
In Gates’ view, the next two decades will be defined by more than just the strength of artificial intelligence. They will be defined by the choices people make along the way.
Related: Read more: