'Just ridiculous,' says Google Brain founder on hype about AI taking away all jobs, shares tips how anyone can become powerful
Amid the ongoing buzz around Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and its potential to revolutionise—or disrupt—the world, renowned AI expert and Google Brain co-founder Andrew Ng is urging a shift in perspective. Speaking recently at a Y Combinator event, Ng challenged the hype surrounding AGI, arguing that real impact in the AI age will come not from building superintelligent machines but from learning how to use existing AI tools effectively. “AGI has been overhyped,” Ng said. “For a long time, there’ll be many things humans can do that AI simply can’t.”
According to Ng, while AGI—a form of artificial intelligence that could match or exceed human cognitive abilities—remains a fascinating concept, it is being blown out of proportion. He believes that the constant speculation around AI overtaking humanity and wiping out jobs is not only unhelpful but also misleading.
The real power: Knowing how to use AI
Rather than fearing a dystopian future ruled by AGI, Ng advises individuals and organizations to focus on practical skills. He emphasizes that the most powerful people in the AI era will be those who can get computers to do exactly what they want, not necessarily those who can build new AI models from scratch. “People who know how to use AI will be far more powerful than those who don’t,” he said.
Ng encourages people to adopt a hands-on approach—learning to integrate AI into real-world applications to solve problems in sectors like healthcare, education, and logistics.
AI vs. AGI: Stop chasing the hype
Ng also addressed the narrative being pushed by some tech companies that exaggerates the capabilities of current AI technologies. He criticized claims suggesting that AI is on the verge of rendering all human labour obsolete or that it poses existential risks to humanity.
“The idea that AI will lead to human extinction or make all jobs disappear is just ridiculous,” Ng said. “These are hype narratives that help companies raise money or appear more powerful than they actually are.”
He warned that such exaggerations only distract from more important, grounded conversations about the responsible and effective use of AI.
AI is a tool, not an end
Drawing a comparison to electricity, Ng described AI as a neutral technology whose impact depends entirely on how it is used.
“AI is neither safe nor unsafe. It’s how you apply it that makes it so,” he said. “Like electricity, AI can power countless positive applications—but it can also be used in harmful ways if mismanaged.”
Ng believes the key lies in responsible innovation, where developers and entrepreneurs focus on building useful, ethical, and scalable AI solutions rather than chasing speculative breakthroughs that may never materialize.
Advice to founders and developers
For aspiring entrepreneurs and AI developers, Ng had a clear message: focus on the practical. Instead of worrying about hypothetical AGI scenarios, work on solving real problems with existing tools.
“Build things that people actually want,” he urged. “Stay updated with AI developments, but focus on creating tangible value and using AI responsibly.”
According to Ng, while AGI—a form of artificial intelligence that could match or exceed human cognitive abilities—remains a fascinating concept, it is being blown out of proportion. He believes that the constant speculation around AI overtaking humanity and wiping out jobs is not only unhelpful but also misleading.
The real power: Knowing how to use AI
Rather than fearing a dystopian future ruled by AGI, Ng advises individuals and organizations to focus on practical skills. He emphasizes that the most powerful people in the AI era will be those who can get computers to do exactly what they want, not necessarily those who can build new AI models from scratch. “People who know how to use AI will be far more powerful than those who don’t,” he said.
Ng encourages people to adopt a hands-on approach—learning to integrate AI into real-world applications to solve problems in sectors like healthcare, education, and logistics.
AI vs. AGI: Stop chasing the hype
Ng also addressed the narrative being pushed by some tech companies that exaggerates the capabilities of current AI technologies. He criticized claims suggesting that AI is on the verge of rendering all human labour obsolete or that it poses existential risks to humanity.
“The idea that AI will lead to human extinction or make all jobs disappear is just ridiculous,” Ng said. “These are hype narratives that help companies raise money or appear more powerful than they actually are.”
He warned that such exaggerations only distract from more important, grounded conversations about the responsible and effective use of AI.
AI is a tool, not an end
Drawing a comparison to electricity, Ng described AI as a neutral technology whose impact depends entirely on how it is used.
“AI is neither safe nor unsafe. It’s how you apply it that makes it so,” he said. “Like electricity, AI can power countless positive applications—but it can also be used in harmful ways if mismanaged.”
Ng believes the key lies in responsible innovation, where developers and entrepreneurs focus on building useful, ethical, and scalable AI solutions rather than chasing speculative breakthroughs that may never materialize.
Advice to founders and developers
For aspiring entrepreneurs and AI developers, Ng had a clear message: focus on the practical. Instead of worrying about hypothetical AGI scenarios, work on solving real problems with existing tools.
“Build things that people actually want,” he urged. “Stay updated with AI developments, but focus on creating tangible value and using AI responsibly.”
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