Sam Altman says AI is unlikely to cause a global jobs apocalypse

Tuesday 26 May 2026 - 08:45

Sam Altman, chief executive of OpenAI, said that artificial intelligence is unlikely to trigger the massive global job losses that many experts once feared. Speaking during a business conference in Sydney, Australia, Altman acknowledged that earlier predictions about the immediate social impact of AI had been exaggerated.

Since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, concerns have grown worldwide about the possibility that automation and generative AI could replace millions of office workers and transform labor markets. However, Altman explained that the real-world effects on employment have so far been less dramatic than expected.

According to Altman, OpenAI’s technological forecasts regarding the rapid advancement of AI systems proved largely accurate, but the company underestimated the complexity of social and economic adaptation. He noted that many professions still depend heavily on human interaction, judgment, and communication skills that cannot easily be replaced by machines.

Experts in the technology and labor sectors continue to debate how AI will reshape the global workforce over the coming years. While some routine tasks are increasingly being automated, many companies are instead using AI tools to improve productivity and support employees rather than completely replace them.

Economists also point out that technological revolutions have historically created new industries and employment opportunities, even as older roles disappeared. AI is expected to transform sectors such as finance, healthcare, education, customer service, and media, leading to changes in required skills and workplace structures.

Altman emphasized the importance of responsible AI development and investment in education and workforce training. Governments and businesses around the world are now exploring ways to prepare workers for a future in which AI technologies become integrated into everyday professional life.