AGI by 2026: How Artificial Intelligence Threatens White-Collar Jobs

BoredRiceBall · 2026-01-31T10:05:49+00:00

AI executives predict that Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) may emerge in 2026 or 2027, significantly impacting white-collar jobs. Automation could eliminate up to 50% of these positions, requiring urgent regulatory action to mitigate economic and social risks.

BoredRiceBall

2026-01-31 10:05:49

Abstract generation in progress

The possibility of a human-level artificial general intelligence emerging in the next few months is no longer science fiction. Top executives in the AI industry believe that this transformation could occur as early as 2026 or 2027, bringing profound economic implications that will particularly affect white-collar professionals.

Bold Predictions from AI Leaders: When Will AGI Arrive?

Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, predicts that AGI will reach human-equivalent capabilities within a very short timeframe. According to analyses published by NS3.AI, this advancement will be primarily driven by AI’s increasing ability to automate complex software engineering processes.

Meanwhile, Demis Hassabis, head of DeepMind, agrees with this accelerated trajectory. Both leaders emphasize that we are not facing a gradual process, but rather a transformation that could occur more quickly than many anticipated. The emergence of AGI would mark a turning point in global technological development.

Devastating Impact on Employment: White-Collar Professions in the Crosshairs

The greatest concern associated with this advancement lies in the job market, particularly in professions requiring high qualifications. Experts estimate that up to 50% of entry-level professional jobs could be eliminated within five years, mainly affecting white-collar workers in sectors such as law, consulting, data analysis, and programming.

This transformation presents an unprecedented challenge for developed economies, which heavily depend on these professional segments. The automation of intellectual tasks questions not only specific jobs but entire career structures that have shaped the professional class.

Regulatory Urgency: Governments Need to Act Now

In light of this scenario, Amodei and Hassabis emphasize the urgent need for governments to establish robust regulatory frameworks. The lack of proper governance could amplify the economic and social risks associated with the rapid evolution of AI technologies.

The window for action is narrow. While technology advances exponentially, governance structures remain behind. Policies that balance innovation with social protection are becoming increasingly essential. White-collar professions depend on this coordinated political response to mitigate the destructive impacts that uncontrolled AGI could cause.

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