(Photo courtesy of Anadolu)
ISTANBUL – Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could lead to 20 years of economic and social disruption, potentially transforming employment, industries, and everyday life even if the technology is developed responsibly.
Speaking on the Decoder podcast in an interview released Thursday, the 70-year-old billionaire said the shift toward an AI-powered economy could create both opportunities and setbacks, with some sectors benefiting while others face significant challenges.
“My big concern is this 20-year transition period, where they’ll have winners and losers and a lot of disruption,” Gates said.
He explained that the two-decade timeframe was only an estimate, noting that the transition could move faster or slower depending on technological breakthroughs and decisions surrounding AI development.
Gates predicted that advancements in artificial intelligence and humanoid robots could eventually enable machines to handle many tasks currently performed by humans, including construction, agriculture, and surgical procedures.
Although such developments could improve productivity and address shortages in essential goods and services, he suggested that societies might choose to preserve certain activities for human workers, particularly childcare, cooking, creative arts, and sports.
The philanthropist also acknowledged AI’s potential to revolutionize healthcare and agriculture but expressed concern that governments and communities remain insufficiently prepared for the technology’s rapid expansion.
He called for stronger government regulation and improved technical safeguards to address emerging threats, including cyberattacks and biological risks.
Gates emphasized that managing these challenges should not be left entirely to technology companies, stressing the need for broader public involvement and government oversight.
Despite AI’s potential to create greater prosperity, Gates cautioned that its development could still bring one of the most turbulent transitions in human history.
“I hate being the bearer of concerning news on this, but it’s even worse not to tell people that this is coming. We have choices as humans to make about how we shape it,” he said.
