Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has said Artificial Intelligence (AI) could bring major changes to the job market within the next decade. Speaking in a televised discussion, Gates said AI has the potential to take over many tasks currently handled by professionals.
According to him, knowledge and expertise, which are now delivered mostly through trained specialists like doctors and teachers, may become freely accessible through AI tools. This could make several services more affordable, but may also reduce human involvement in many routine and semi-specialised roles.
Gates described AI as one of only two technologies that fundamentally changed his life, the other being the graphical user interface. He compared AI’s significance to that of microprocessors, personal computers, the internet and mobile phones, calling it a foundational shift in how societies function.
While expressing optimism about AI’s ability to improve education, healthcare and communication, Gates also noted that the pace of development raises serious questions. He said the speed at which AI is advancing could outstrip current regulatory or ethical frameworks, adding that the long-term consequences remain uncertain.
Fake content, deepfakes, biased AI agents and the spread of misinformation were flagged as emerging challenges. Gates said that these risks add to the anxiety around AI’s growth, though the benefits in some sectors are already becoming evident.
On the future of work, Gates said that some professions may remain unaffected, particularly those requiring emotional sensitivity and deep human interaction. He cited healthcare workers, artists, writers and engineers as examples of roles that could stay relevant.
However, he cautioned that as AI assistants become more efficient, only jobs requiring specialised expertise or strong human intuition may survive in the long run. Routine roles or those based on predictable tasks are more likely to be affected.
Meanwhile, a new trend known as ‘vibe coding’ is gaining traction among tech developers. This approach involves building software using everyday language instead of traditional programming. With AI tools assisting in code generation, users can now skip complex syntax and interact with systems using plain prompts.
Experts say this could reduce the need for fluency in languages like C++ or Python, while increasing demand for skills in prompt engineering, debugging and model fine-tuning. The trend is also spreading to marketing, content writing and video editing.
Industry voices suggest that adaptability and problem-solving will become the most important traits in the AI era. Gates also emphasised the need to cultivate human abilities such as communication and critical thinking.
Tech insiders are now referring to a new role — the ‘AI Generalist’ — someone who can apply AI tools across various sectors to solve business or creative problems. This role is expected to gain prominence as companies begin to adopt AI for diverse tasks.
Although no firm predictions were made, Gates’ comments have added to the ongoing conversation about AI’s growing role in everyday life and work. He stated that the world is likely entering a period where the ability to use AI effectively may determine both business success and individual relevance
