AI's Impact on Society and Inequality: Ray Dalio's Perspective

Billionaire investor Ray Dalio warns about AI’s potential to exacerbate societal inequality while simultaneously driving unprecedented productivity gains. He emphasizes that AI will create a significant divide between those who can effectively use and control AI and those who cannot, leading to increased economic disparity. Dalio predicts that by 2025, AI will dramatically transform the workforce, making many traditional jobs obsolete while creating new opportunities for those who can adapt. He advocates for Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a potential solution to address the economic displacement caused by AI automation. The investor highlights how AI’s rapid advancement could lead to a “bifurcated economy” where AI-capable individuals prosper while others struggle to maintain economic stability. Dalio also discusses the broader implications for education and workforce development, suggesting that current educational systems must evolve to prepare people for an AI-driven economy. He emphasizes the need for proactive policy measures to address these challenges, including investment in AI education and training programs. The article concludes with Dalio’s perspective on the urgency of addressing these issues, warning that failure to do so could lead to significant social unrest and economic instability. His analysis underscores the dual nature of AI as both a transformative technology for productivity and a potential source of societal disruption.

Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/ray-dalio-ai-downside-society-inequality-ubi-universal-basic-income-2025-9