Sridhar Vembu AI bubble comments: 'Any job performed on computer has this risk now - The risk is getting ever more real'

Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu has warned that artificial intelligence is increasingly threatening computer-based jobs, saying a single skilled individual using AI could potentially perform work that would otherwise require 10 people.

He cautioned that the risk of job displacement is becoming more real, even though it does not necessarily mean that 90% of people working on computers will become unemployed.

In a post on X, Vembu said AI could significantly change how businesses hire and distribute work, triggering a major shift across industries. He acknowledged that the transition could be painful for workers as companies adapt to the technology and rethink their workforce requirements.

“Any job performed on the computer has this risk now: one smart person using AI can perform the work of 10 people,” Vembu said.

“The risk is getting ever more real,” he added.

The Zoho co-founder clarified that the development does not automatically mean that most people in these professions will lose their jobs.

“This does not mean 90% of people working on a computer will have no work at all,” he said.

Vembu pointed out that the technology could also create opportunities for industries and businesses that previously could not afford to hire specialised professionals.

“Industries that previously could not afford to hire software engineers or digitial marketers could afford them now, for example,” he said.

He described the process as a broader economic adjustment, warning that the transition would not necessarily be smooth for workers.

“What it does mean is a rebalancing across the economy and that is painful when we go through it,” he further mentioned.

Vembu stated workers and businesses should recognise that AI-led changes are approaching and prepare for the disruption rather than dismissing the possibility of widespread workplace transformation.

“The only thing we can do is to accept that it is coming and be prepared for it,” he said.

Garvit Bhirani