AI is everywhere and is changing the way humans work. As the world quickly moves toward AI-driven tools and automation, there are many people who worry about the future of work. Will machines take over? According to Aravind Srinivas, the CEO of Perplexity AI, the situation is far more balanced than the fear suggests.
Aravind Srinivas believes that technological transitions have always created uncertainty. Similar to AI disrupting the job market, earlier it was the arrival of computers when people questioned their own place in the future. He says that the way to handle such transitions has always been learning.
In a recent conversation with The Hindustan Times, Srinivas addressed the growing economic anxiety around AI and the fear of job losses, especially in a country like India.
“Every great transition in history has created this fear, but we always adapt and advance. How? It’s the same way every time: through learning. Education. Increasing our knowledge, which increases the things we can do,” Aravind said.
According to Aravind, education expands what humans are capable of, allowing them to adapt and excel even when the nature of work changes. Today, the advantage is even greater because the same AI tools people worry about can also help them learn faster, gain new skills, and stay relevant in evolving industries.
Human Connection Can’t Be Replaced
Although, AI systems are becoming smart, fast, and capable of performing tasks once handled only by humans. Aravind Srinivas points out that emotional connection remains unique to people. He accepts that AI companions may become common like chatbots, assistants, or digital mentors but insists that the depth of human relationships cannot be recreated by machines.
Aravind imagines a future where humans and AI work alongside one another. People will continue to ask questions, challenge ideas, and seek meaning roles that AI can support but not fully replace. This partnership, he says, will drive innovation and keep the spark of human curiosity alive.
India’s Role in the AI Era
Aravind Srinivas is confident that India will play a meaningful role in shaping the AI future. He highlights how strongly India as a country values learning and personal growth and qualities that align naturally with AI-driven knowledge tools.
Due to this mindset, he believes India is well positioned to adopt AI technologies, build new ideas around them, and contribute to global innovation in a major way.
The Road Ahead
Aravind Srinivas although acknowledges that certain industries may see or experience temporary job shifts when AI gets more involved in daily tasks. However, he encourages people to view this shift as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Moreover, he suggests embracing continuous learning, exploring entrepreneurial ideas, and using AI as a tool to expand one’s abilities. In his view, new types of jobs will appear as society learns how to use AI more creatively.
