Do you find yourself spending hours on Instagram?
Perplexity AI’s CEO, Aravind Srinivas, thinks it’s time to rethink that habit.
His message?
Trade endless scrolling for something that could shape your future: learning artificial intelligence.
Speaking recently with tech interviewer Matthew Berman, Srinivas offered a straightforward challenge to young people:
“Spend less time doomscrolling on Instagram; spend more time using AIs.”
In other words, while social media might offer quick entertainment, mastering AI tools could open real doors in your career.
Why AI Skills Matter More Than Ever
Srinivas didn’t sugarcoat his warning: people who ignore AI will likely fall behind in the job market.
According to him:
“Those who know how to use AI systems will be far more employable than those who don’t. That’s guaranteed.”
Think about it, AI isn’t just about robots or futuristic gadgets anymore.
From basic chatbots to image generators, AI tools are already reshaping how companies work.
Whether you’re aiming to be a designer, marketer, teacher, or entrepreneur, AI is quickly becoming part of the job description.
The Fast-Paced Challenge: Can People Keep Up?
But here’s the catch: AI evolves fast. Really fast.
Srinivas noted that AI tools change every three to six months, which can be overwhelming for many.
“Humans have never been very fast at adapting,” he admitted.
This rapid change is pushing people to their limits and not everyone will keep up.
As AI technology continues advancing, some jobs will inevitably disappear, and what’s the key?
Learning how to work alongside AI, not against it.
Job Loss or New Opportunities? Entrepreneurs May Hold the Key
Srinivas believes that as AI tools replace traditional jobs, new ones must be created and that responsibility might fall on everyday people, not big corporations.
Here’s his suggestion:
- Workers who lose jobs should consider starting their own businesses, using AI to fuel their success.
- Alternatively, people can learn AI skills and help grow new companies.
He sees entrepreneurship as the path forward in an AI-driven economy.
What Should You Focus On?
| Instead of… | Try… |
| Endless Instagram scrolling | Learning ChatGPT or image generators |
| Watching TikTok trends | Exploring AI video editing tools |
| Worrying about job loss | Upskilling with AI tools |
What Other Tech Leaders Are Saying
Srinivas isn’t alone in his concerns.
Other industry leaders have shared their thoughts on AI’s role in jobs:
- Dario Amodei (Anthropic CEO): Believes AI could eliminate up to 50% of white-collar entry jobs in just five years.
- Geoffrey Hinton (AI pioneer): Warns that AI may replace humans in many routine intellectual tasks.
- Jensen Huang (Nvidia CEO): Offers a more hopeful view, saying AI will transform jobs, not erase them.
What Does This Mean For You?
Should you panic? Definitely not.
Instead, think of this moment as a chance to build skills that can set you apart.
Whether you’re a student, a job seeker, or someone simply curious about tech, exploring AI tools could open doors you didn’t expect.
After all, would you rather watch your favorite celebrity’s latest post or become the next AI-powered success story?
