Google Deepmind CEO Demis Hassabis doesn’t stop short of saying that AI Is Coming for Jobs
It is a matter of being prepared for our future alongside AI systems. The future of work is changing fast, and Google wants teens to pay attention, specially when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI). Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, says the rise of AI could shake up jobs dramatically over the next 5 to 10 years. But instead of panicking, he’s urging the younger generation to prepare — by becoming what he calls “code ninjas.”
Hassabis leads DeepMind, Google’s top-tier AI research lab that’s working toward building artificial general intelligence (AGI), a powerful form of AI that could one day think and reason like a human. At the recent Google I/O event and in a popular tech podcast, he shared a message aimed straight at Gen Alpha: the AI era is here, and it’s your moment to lead.
Why This Matters for Teens
“AI is going to define your generation,” Hassabis said. “Just like the internet shaped millennials and smartphones shaped Gen Z, AI will be the tech that defines Gen Alpha.” He predicted that some traditional jobs may disappear, but new, more creative and tech-driven ones will replace them.
So, how do you get ready? According to Hassabis: learn to code, experiment with AI tools, and become fluent in how these technologies work. “It’s not just about knowing how to use AI,” he said. “It’s about understanding it, building with it, and innovating.”
From Student to Code-Preneur
Hassabis believes teens shouldn’t wait until college to start learning. It is important to dive into the world of AI now, Learn how to learn. Be curious. Become a creator, not just a user. He encourages teens to explore AI outside the classroom, building projects, experimenting with apps, and turning ideas into digital startups.
He also stressed that hard tech skills are just one piece of the puzzle. Being flexible, creative, and adaptable will matter even more in a world shaped by fast-moving AI.
Why Coding Still Matters
Even though AI can write code now, Hassabis still believes learning to code is essential. Not only does it give you the power to build your own tools, it also teaches logical thinking and problem-solving — key traits for anyone navigating a tech-driven world.
And it’s not just about landing a job. It’s about creating your own. Hassabis sees teens becoming the next generation of tech entrepreneurs who build apps, tools, and businesses that shape the future.
AI Won’t Wait
Since tools like ChatGPT launched in 2022, AI has been moving at lightning speed. And with the race toward human-level AI heating up, Hassabis says this isn’t just about preparing for tomorrow it’s about thriving today.
His advice? Don’t just scroll and swipe, build. Whether you’re in middle school or high school, now’s the time to explore AI, learn to code, and dream big.
Watch the full episode on the Hard Fork Podcast here
