Sam Altman: Gen Z is History’s ‘Luckiest’ Due to AI, Despite Job Fears

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently shared a profoundly optimistic outlook for Generation Z, contending that if he were currently a college graduate, he would feel like “the luckiest kid in all of history.” This bold assertion comes even as concerns about job displacement fueled by artificial intelligence (AI) continue to mount.

Speaking on the “Huge If True” podcast with host Cleo Abram, Altman acknowledged the potential for a future where “some classes of jobs will totally go away.” Despite this, he emphasized his belief in the transformative power of AI, which he suggests offers unparalleled opportunities for young individuals entering the workforce.

Altman’s company, OpenAI, stands at the vanguard of developing advanced AI systems capable of “far exceed[ing] humans in almost every field.” He posits that this technological evolution, while disruptive, will ultimately benefit the younger generation.

Addressing the pervasive anxiety surrounding AI’s impact on employment, Altman offered a historical perspective: “this always happens, and young people are the best at adapting to this.” He underscored his primary concern, stating, “I’m more worried about what it means, not for the 22-year-old, but for the 62-year-old that doesn’t want to go retrain or reskill or whatever the politicians call it.”

This perspective highlights Altman’s view that while AI will necessitate significant shifts in the labor market, Gen Z possesses an inherent agility to navigate and capitalize on these changes. Their innate ability to adapt, learn new skills, and embrace emerging technologies positions them uniquely to thrive in an AI-powered future, transforming potential challenges into unprecedented career and entrepreneurial avenues.