On January 21, in an exclusive interview, Google CEO Sundar Pichai discussed the future of work with MSNBC and Recode. He emphasized that artificial intelligence is driving changes as transformative as fire and electricity. Alongside YouTube’s CEO Susan Wojcicki, he acknowledged the importance of AI while also highlighting the need for caution.
The conversation covered a range of topics, including how technology is reshaping the workplace and the policies surrounding foreign workers under former President Donald Trump. While Pichai and Wojcicki expressed confidence in technological progress, they recognized the growing concerns about AI displacing human jobs.
Pichai noted that while it's natural for people to worry about AI taking over jobs, both governments and individuals must adapt. He pointed out that in the past, people pursued vocational training, but today, there's a greater demand for digital skills. A report by the Brookings Institution showed that the need for medium-digital skills in the U.S. increased from 40% in 2002 to 48% in 2016.
In addition to technical skills, the role of foreign workers in Silicon Valley was a key topic. Both Pichai, who was born in India, and Wojcicki, whose parents were immigrants, emphasized the vital contribution of international talent to the tech industry. According to a study, approximately 75% of scientists and engineers in Silicon Valley are foreign-born. Wojcicki stressed the importance of H-1B visas, calling them essential for companies like Google and YouTube. She added that their companies value diversity and aim to support their communities through collaboration with the government.
In 2015, Google and its parent company Alphabet replaced the slogan “Don’t be evil†with “Do the right thing.†As AI continues to advance, the question remains: what responsibilities do companies like Google and YouTube have when technology becomes more efficient and cheaper than human labor?
Pichai stated, “Automation can replace human jobs. This is a fact we all must accept.†Wojcicki echoed this sentiment, saying, “We must recognize the changes happening in our time. We need more cooperation between companies and governments to create support systems that help retrain workers.†She added that companies must invest in workforce development to ensure people can keep up with technological advancements.
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