AI Expert Warns PhDs May Be Obsolete Within Years, Advocates for “Internal” Skill Development
NEW YORK - A leading AI researcher is sparking debate with a bold prediction: the field of Artificial Intelligence itself may rapidly become saturated, perhaps rendering even a PhD in the subject obsolete within the timeframe of completing the degree. University of Florida AI PhD graduate, Dr. Omar Tarifi, shared his views in a recent interview with Business Insider, suggesting aspiring professionals focus on highly specialized niches like AI applied to biology, or forgo advanced degrees altogether.
“AI itself is going to be gone by the time you finish a PhD. Even things like applying AI to robotics will be solved by then,” Tarifi stated. He cautioned against the notable personal cost of doctoral studies, describing them as a pursuit for the “weird people” intensely passionate about their field, requiring “five years of your life and a lot of pain.” He emphasized that individuals unsure about pursuing a PhD should “definitely default to ‘no,’ and focus on just living in the world… You will move much faster. You’ll learn a lot more.You’ll be more adaptive to how things are changed.”
Tarifi’s concerns extend beyond PhDs, warning that lengthy professional degrees like law and medicine are also at risk. He criticized the medical field, stating that current medical school curricula are “so outdated and based on memorization,” leading to an eight-year investment that ultimately feels “throwing away.”
However, Tarifi doesn’t advocate for abandoning education entirely. Instead, he believes the key to thriving in the age of AI lies in developing uniquely human skills. He stresses the importance of “emotional attunement” and “good taste” in effectively prompting and utilizing AI, skills that surpass purely technical knowledge.
“The best thing to work on is more internal. Meditate. socialize with your friends. Get to know yourself emotionally,” he advised.
this sentiment echoes recent comments from Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis,who told Wired magazine that jobs requiring human empathy are less susceptible to AI replacement. Hassabis specifically cited the example of doctors and nurses, suggesting AI could assist doctors with diagnosis, but the empathetic role of a nurse is less easily replicated by a machine.
Both experts highlight a shift in focus from acquiring extensive technical knowledge to cultivating the uniquely human qualities that will remain valuable in an increasingly automated world.