Airbnb CEO Foresees AI Streamlining Lucrative Side Hustles and Startups

According to Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) shouldn’t be feared as a job destroyer, but rather as a creator of new opportunities, particularly in the realm of entrepreneurship.

While concerns have been voiced by tech icons like Steve Wozniak and Mark Cuban regarding AI replacing human workers across various industries, Chesky highlights the fact that we cannot accurately predict the specific jobs that will emerge.

Chesky emphasizes that AI is already enhancing the efficiency of software engineers at Airbnb.

Chesky predicts that within the next six months, approximately 30% of Airbnb’s daily tasks could be automated using AI tools similar to ChatGPT. However, he argues that this automation doesn’t necessarily put their jobs at risk. Instead, the saved time can be redirected towards tackling more challenging and personalized projects.

Furthermore, Chesky believes that computer scientists won’t be the sole beneficiaries of AI’s advancements. As AI continues to evolve, individuals will be able to communicate their desired website specifications in plain English to chatbots, eliminating the need for coding languages.

Chesky sees this as a catalyst for the creation of millions of startups, asserting that anyone can now achieve what was only possible through software engineering a few years ago.

Chesky’s perspective is shared by others in the industry. RSE Ventures CEO Matt Higgins highlighted in a CNBC Make It article that AI can help people increase their earnings in less time, providing more opportunities for financial growth.

While technology has historically disrupted certain job roles, such as typists and phone operators, it has also opened up new avenues for employment, like website designers and content creators. However, the rapid advancement of AI does come with potential challenges. Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently cautioned that if AI can outperform humans in their jobs, it may be difficult for individuals to find their work fulfilling.

One of the main hurdles in understanding AI’s future impact is its accelerated pace of development, which makes accurate forecasting challenging.

Chesky emphasizes the importance of companies adapting at a similar speed to avoid being left behind. He recognizes the concerns about the speed of AI’s progress but highlights the creative possibilities it offers.

According to Chesky, AI is a tool that can enhance human creativity, and individuals need only worry if they choose not to embrace it.