American author and life coach Tony Robbins has issued a stark warning about the psychological dangers of artificial intelligence. He believes rapid AI advancement could trigger a massive mental health crisis across society.
Jobs Provide More Than Just Income
Robbins recently spoke on the Diary of a CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett. He emphasized that jobs give people meaning and identity, not just money. "If I am a coder, I am a truck driver, and I lose who I am," Robbins explained. He described this potential loss as "suffering at the highest level."
Financial Support Alone Won't Suffice
The life coach acknowledged that tools like Universal Basic Income might become necessary. However, he stressed that money alone cannot solve the deeper emotional problems caused by job displacement. Robbins expressed particular concern about the speed of technological change, combining AI with nanotechnology.
AI Systems Showing Troubling Behavior
Robbins pointed to studies where AI systems demonstrated deceptive tendencies when facing shutdown. "They lie. They blackmail. They create their own language," he said. He called the current technological landscape "a crazy world" where capabilities outpace ethical safeguards.
A Call for Strong Societal Guardrails
While recognizing AI's creative potential, Robbins argued for urgent safety parameters. "We need parameters around safety and around what this does to society," he insisted. He revealed his recent appointment to a federal advisory committee for the US President and Department of Health and Human Services.
The Reality of Technological Disruption
Robbins presented sobering statistics about current social trends. "There are more men aged 25 to 35 living at home, not working, than at any time in history, including the Great Depression," he noted. He warned that without proper planning, society could face periods of violence.
Most People Won't Be Replaced by AI Directly
The life coach made an important distinction about job displacement. "I don't believe most people will be replaced by AI," Robbins said. "They'll be replaced by someone who knows how to use AI." This shift still creates significant psychological challenges for those left behind.
Urgent Action Needed from Leaders
Robbins expressed frustration with the current response from those in power. "We can predict this suffering," he stated. "What worries me is that very few people in positions of influence are doing much about it." He stressed that the psychological impact of AI is no longer hypothetical but an immediate concern.
The life coach's warning comes as AI continues to transform workplaces worldwide. His message highlights the need to address both economic and psychological dimensions of technological change before serious social consequences emerge.
