Ex-Google Leader Warns of 15 Years of Dystopia – Not Due to AI

A Warning of a Dystopian Future

A scenario that resembles the dramatic collapse depicted in Hollywood movies might not be as far-fetched as it seems. According to Mo Gawdat, a former executive at Google and an author known for his insights into technology and human behavior, such a dystopia could arrive sooner than we anticipate.

Gawdat, who spent 11 years at Google, has shared a sobering perspective on the near future of society. In an interview with The Diary of a CEO podcast, he suggested that we may soon find ourselves living in a dystopian world within just two years. This scenario, reminiscent of George Orwell’s '1984,' could persist for up to 15 years. However, he emphasized that this crisis will stem from human actions rather than artificial intelligence (AI) itself.

“We must prepare for a world that is very unfamiliar,” Gawdat told the podcast's host, Steven Bartlett. “We are going to hit a short-term dystopia – there's no escaping that.” He described the upcoming dystopia as "adverse circumstances that unfortunately might escalate beyond our control." According to him, this period will begin in 2027 and last for 12-15 years, until the late 2030s. However, he warned that we will see escalating signs of this situation next year.

This era will fundamentally alter various aspects of life, including freedom, accountability, human connection, inequality, economics, reality, innovation, and power. Rather than AI being the direct cause, the dystopia will result from the declining morality of humanity in an age where AI is becoming increasingly prevalent.

Gawdat pointed out that "bad actors" – individuals rather than machines – will exploit AI for harmful purposes such as deceiving citizens, invading privacy, and stealing money. The outcome could be a society marked by significant injustice, with a "massive concentration of power" in the hands of a few corrupt individuals.

Despite the grim outlook, Gawdat also mentioned a long-term "utopia" following the 15-year period, where everything could be perfect. However, he stressed that society must first overcome the impending challenges.

About Mo Gawdat

Mo Gawdat, now 58, was born in Egypt and has made a name for himself as an engineer, author, and entrepreneur. He graduated from Ain Shams University and Maastricht School of Management. His career includes stints at major tech companies like Microsoft, IBM, and NCR Corporation.

From 2007 to 2013, he served as vice president for Google in Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, overseeing a multi-billion dollar business. Between 2013 and 2018, he was the chief business officer for Google X, the company's research and development lab for emerging technologies.

Since leaving Google seven years ago, Gawdat has hosted his own podcasts and written books on topics ranging from AI to stress and happiness. He is currently working on a new book that explores the far-reaching impact of AI on human life and challenges our understanding of what it means to be alive.

In addition to his work in technology, Gawdat founded One Billion Happy, an organization aimed at promoting happiness following the tragic death of his son, Ali.

The Impact of AI on Employment

Gawdat has been critical of the belief that AI will create new jobs, calling it "100 per cent crap." He argues that AI will take over roles at all levels, from top executives to entry-level positions. "AI is going to be better than humans at everything, including being a CEO," he said. "There will be a time where most incompetent CEOs will be replaced."

He added, "Everything we produce can be produced by an AI." Even highly skilled jobs, such as an architect designing a custom house, could be accomplished by AI tools similar to ChatGPT without the associated costs.

Gawdat posed a thought-provoking question to the host: "How many more years do you think I will be able to create a book that's smarter than AI? Not many." His insights reflect a deep understanding of emerging technologies, gained through his extensive experience in the field.

His two-hour, 34-minute conversation with The Diary of a CEO has been published on their YouTube channel, offering viewers a comprehensive look into his perspectives on the future of society and technology.