Could AI Lead to a Future with a Global Population as Small as the UK’s by 2300?

By the year 2300, the world could face a dramatic decline in population, shrinking to just 100 million people. This alarming prediction comes from Subhash Kak, a computer science professor at Oklahoma State University. He warns that as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance, it may replace jobs across various sectors, leading to deserted cities and a steep drop in birth rates.

Kak asserts that AI will infiltrate almost every aspect of work. “Computers and robots will do everything we do, from decision-making in offices to manual labor,” he says. With only around 8 billion people today, the thought of reducing the population to that of present-day Britain is unsettling.

Recent reports show a parallel decline in birth rates globally. In regions like Europe and East Asia, people are increasingly hesitant to have children due to fears of a bleak future job market. In fact, countries like South Korea are experiencing one of the fastest declines in population. Kak suggests that this reluctance stems from a sense of uncertainty about whether future generations will find meaningful work.

The rapid development of AI technologies, exemplified by tools like ChatGPT, has raised concerns about job security. In 2023, British Chancellor Rachel Reeves noted the growing number of roles being filled by AI. Her government plans to reduce civil service jobs as automation takes over tasks traditionally performed by humans.

Kak believes this trend could result in fewer children being born. “People are reacting to the fear of not being able to support a family in a world where jobs might not exist,” he explains. He adds that the soaring costs of raising children in today’s economy only heighten this anxiety.

Billionaire Elon Musk has expressed similar worries about AI and population decline. He warns that humanity could face extinction due to these challenges. While this might sound like science fiction, we’re already witnessing significant demographic shifts that could lead to lasting consequences.

In a broader context, as we discuss the potential impact of AI, it’s worth noting that technology has transformed job markets throughout history. For instance, during the Industrial Revolution, many traditional roles disappeared, but new opportunities emerged. Experts suggest that adapting to AI’s presence might require innovative solutions, such as retraining the workforce for jobs that cannot be automated.

In summary, the prediction of a drastically reduced population by 2300 raises many questions about our future. As AI technology evolves, society faces both challenges and opportunities. Finding a way to navigate these changes will be essential to ensure a thriving, engaged population moving forward.

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