Larry Summers recently shared a bold idea. He suggested young people should not study coding. Summers is on the board of OpenAI, so his views carry weight. He believes AI will soon handle tasks that need high IQ. Instead, he encourages learning to work creatively in groups. This helps in defining purpose, which AI can’t do yet.
Summers compared coding to skills like changing a car tire. These tasks were important once but are less needed now. AI will soon make basic coding unnecessary. High-level AI systems will handle many coding tasks. People won’t need to learn coding for simple data systems or reservations.
The idea is not new. AI aims to replace cognitive labor before other job types. AI’s cognitive abilities improve fast. Summers' statement aligns with this trend. He suggests that focusing on teamwork and creativity is more valuable now.
Jeffrey Hinton, another AI expert, made a similar point. In 2016, he said radiologists would soon be out of jobs. AI would take over radiology tasks. Yet, eight years later, many radiologists still work. AI did not replace them as quickly as Hinton thought.
Predicting the future of jobs is tricky. Summers might be right that coding will change. Young people might benefit more from learning other skills. Teamwork and creativity could be key in the future job market.
Coding is still valuable in some areas. Software developers use many skills beyond basic coding. They solve problems, design systems, and work in teams. These skills will still be important, even as AI takes over some coding tasks.
Summers' advice might seem controversial. Many still see coding as a valuable skill. But his view highlights a shift in the job market. Young people should consider this when planning their careers. Learning to work creatively in groups might prepare them better for the future.