Andrew Paul McAfee

Principal research scientist Andrew McAfee said people typically learn difficult knowledge work by first assisting experienced colleagues with routine responsibilities. If companies automate these tasks too quickly, they risk eliminating the apprenticeship ladder that has traditionally produced skilled professionals and future business leaders.

Principal research scientist Andrew McAfee said: "There’s a significant demographic decline. As people age, they tend to be more inflexible and less willing to try new and outlandish things like AI. If you cut back on hiring entry-level staff, you're likely sacrificing future learning opportunities and the talent of tomorrow. Plus, you're shutting off the most enthusiastic AI users in your organization."

Companies betting against entry-level Gen Z talent by automating their roles may be making a costly long-term mistake. That's the warning from MIT research scientist Andrew McAfee. "How else are people going to learn to do the job except via on-the-job learning and training apprenticeship?" he said.

Principal research scientist Andrew McAfee said: "Thanks to the phenomenal technological advances of recent years, we have the tools to pursue two goals simultaneously: improving the human condition and preserving nature. This is especially true with the development of artificial intelligence. I am convinced that it will extend and accelerate this momentum of improving the quality of human life and protecting the environment. This makes me deeply optimistic."