June 4, 2025 – During the SXSW London event, Demis Hassabis, the CEO of Google DeepMind, emphasized that the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) rivals that of the internet’s inception or the Industrial Revolution, given its rapid evolution.
Hassabis suggested that AI’s immediate focus should be on alleviating everyday frustrations for ordinary people, with email management being a prime example. He candidly admitted he would gladly pay thousands of dollars monthly to escape the tyranny of his inbox. His team is currently working on a “next-generation email” solution that can automatically categorize daily communications, respond to simple queries in a user’s style, and even assist in making minor decisions.
While acknowledging that AI’s short-term potential might be overhyped, Hassabis predicted its long-term impact on society would be profound. He envisioned a future where AI transcends mundane tasks to become a “universal AI assistant,” deeply understanding user needs, offering tailored recommendations, and shielding users from the distractions posed by big tech algorithms.
“AI should empower individuals, freeing up time rather than leading them astray with other algorithms,” Hassabis asserted. Furthermore, he highlighted AI’s potential to revolutionize energy production and consumption, paving the way for “radical abundance,” but only if resources are distributed equitably.
Drawing from a blog post, Hassabis forecasted that artificial general intelligence (AGI), a form of AI with human-like cognitive abilities capable of handling diverse tasks, could materialize within the next five to ten years. He likened this development to a “new Industrial Revolution,” underscoring its monumental significance.
Despite AI’s boundless promise, Hassabis cautioned about its impact on employment. He urged economists and social scientists to ponder resource distribution in an “AI utopia,” ensuring technological advancements do not exacerbate inequality. He warned that without proper planning, even the most idyllic futures could spark societal upheaval.
Hassabis called for a global collaborative effort to prepare for this epochal shift.
