Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META, XETRA:FB2A, SIX:FB) CEO Mark Zuckerberg outlined a vision for artificial intelligence centered on making so-called superintelligence broadly available to individuals, arguing that the technology should expand human capabilities rather than primarily replace workers.
In a 6,500-word essay titled “The Future is for Everyone: The Path to a Positive AI Future,” published on Monday, Zuckerberg said advanced AI could create opportunities in entrepreneurship, scientific research, education and personal productivity.
“We propose a philosophy based on individual empowerment as the source of prosperity, invention as the primary purpose of superintelligence, and balance of power as the foundation of safety,” Zuckerberg wrote.
Zuckerberg argued that concentrating advanced AI among a small number of companies, governments or individuals could create risks by placing too much economic and political power in limited hands. Instead, he said Meta wants to distribute AI capabilities widely and give individuals greater control over how the technology is used.
A central part of his argument is that AI’s biggest contribution should be invention rather than automation. He said future systems could help people discover medicines, develop businesses, create products and conduct scientific research, while enabling individuals to pursue ideas that previously required larger teams or significant capital.
“I predict that this will not only lead to much greater economic growth, but also more employment over time rather than less,” Zuckerberg wrote.
Zuckerberg also described a future in which people have personal AI agents that understand their goals and interests and assist with areas such as health, careers, finances and hobbies. He said AI could also provide personalized tutoring, creative tools and support for scientific research.
Meta plans to offer free AI tools accessible to billions of people, while users seeking additional computing capacity could pay for greater access, Zuckerberg wrote.
He also rejected the idea that the development of increasingly capable AI should require concentrating power among a small group of institutions.
“The defining questions of our age are who will have access to superintelligence and what will we direct it towards,” Zuckerberg wrote. “Will it be centralized and restricted to a few institutions, or will it be a tool that empowers everyone?”
Zuckerberg acknowledged that superintelligence will bring significant challenges, but argued that broad access could help distribute its benefits while limiting the risks associated with concentrated control.
“Superintelligence holds the promise of giving everyone that power, and building a positive future for everyone,” he wrote.
Shares of Meta traded up 1.3% at about $600 on Monday, down about 9% so far this year.
