According to Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, AI is the most important technology humanity has ever worked on. He believes it will reshape the future of work as some roles evolve and new opportunities appear. Those who adapt to AI tools «will do well in each of the professions.»
However, if the current AI boom ends in a downturn, every company — including Google — would be affected, Pichai said.
In an interview with the BBC, Pichai described the rapid growth in AI investment as «extraordinary,» admitting, though, that some areas of the market show signs of «irrational» behavior. His remarks follow rising concerns that high valuations and heavy spending in the AI sector may be forming a bubble.
Despite potential risks, the industry will continue to grow, Pichai said, comparing the current AI surge to the early internet era, where excessive investment did not undermine the technology’s long-term importance.
Asked whether the tech giant could avoid the impact of a potential crash, Pichai said the entire industry would likely be affected, including Google. However, Google’s integrated approach — including custom chips, YouTube data, advanced models and core research — gives the company an advantage in navigating market volatility, the company’s CEO noted.
He also acknowledged that AI’s significant energy requirements have slowed Alphabet’s progress on its climate commitments. Still, he said the company remains focused on achieving net-zero emissions by 2030 and will continue investing in new energy technologies.
