Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay
A Startling Vision of the Future
Imagine a future where cities like New York and Tokyo are nearly empty. Streets are quiet. Homes are abandoned. The world’s population has dropped to only 100 million. That’s about the same as the United Kingdom today. According to Professor Subhash Kak, this could happen by the year 2300. He is a computer science expert from Oklahoma State University and author of The Age of Artificial Intelligence.
Why Population Could Fall
Jobs Replaced by AI
Professor Kak warns that AI is taking over more human tasks. This includes both simple and complex jobs. As a result, many people may find it harder to earn a living. With less job security, fewer people may choose to start families.
Falling Birth Rates Are Already a Problem
This trend is happening right now in some countries. Nations like Japan, South Korea, and Germany already have very low birth rates. AI could make this problem worse. If machines do most of the work, people might not feel needed or secure enough to raise children.
The Bigger Picture
What Happens When Cities Empty Out?
Population decline could cause massive changes. Large cities might become ghost towns. Schools, hospitals, and businesses may shut down. With fewer workers and more elderly people, economies could struggle. This isn’t just a theory—it’s a direction we may already be heading in.
Global Experts Share the Concern
Warnings from the AI Community
Professor Kak isn’t alone. In 2023, over 350 AI experts signed a statement. They warned that AI could become a global threat. Leaders from companies like OpenAI and Google DeepMind agreed. They said we must treat AI risks as seriously as pandemics or nuclear war.
What Can We Do?
Using AI Without Losing Ourselves
AI has many benefits. It helps in medicine, education, and daily life. However, we must use it wisely. We need rules that protect people and jobs. If we act now, we can enjoy the good parts of AI while avoiding the bad.
What Do You Think?
Is AI helping or hurting our future? Could machines really change how many people live on Earth? Share your thoughts below.