Technology

AI-driven automation may shrink global population to 100 million by 2300, warns Oklahoma expert

Tuesday, 3 June 2025 12:07AM UTC

Professor Subhash Kak of Oklahoma State University predicts a severe population collapse caused by automation replacing human jobs, leading to sharply reduced birth rates and societal transformation by 2300.

An alarming forecast from an Oklahoma tech expert suggests that humanity could face a dramatic collapse, with the global population dwindling to just 100 million people by the year 2300. Subhash Kak, a professor of computer science at Oklahoma State University, highlights the potential for such a drastic reduction, primarily attributing it to the rise of artificial intelligence and automation. “It’s going to be devastating for society and world society,” Kak warned, noting that many people may not comprehend the gravity of the situation.

Kak’s concerns centre around the notion that automation could replace human jobs across various sectors, from law to academia, inducing a societal reluctance to have children. “People are hesitant to bring children into a world where they might not find employment,” he remarked. As employment opportunities decline due to technological advancement, Kak fears that birth rates will plummet, leading to a population crisis. His predictions draw parallels with dystopian themes, but he emphasizes that this scenario is not a result of cataclysmic events, such as nuclear warfare, but rather a slow societal transformation driven by technology.

Demographic trends already indicate troubling signs. Many developed countries, including those in Europe and Asia, are grappling with declining birth rates. Kak points to South Korea as having one of the steepest declines, reflecting a broader trend where societies are ageing, and younger generations appear reluctant to start families. Data corroborates his concerns: experts across various fields have observed that a shrinking workforce could lead to slower GDP growth, increased economic pressure, and difficulties in sustaining social entitlement programs.

The relationship between artificial intelligence and population dynamics has sparked significant dialogue about the future of work and social structure. As AI technologies advance, they could help mitigate some of the economic impacts of a declining population by enhancing productivity, potentially maintaining economic stability. However, this progress may not fully compensate for the social challenges that come with aging populations and reduced birth rates. Improved automation can fill labour shortages, yet it may also lead to increased loneliness and social fragmentation, as traditional community structures evolve or dissolve.

Additionally, some experts, such as Elon Musk, have echoed similar concerns about declining global birth rates, advocating for the exploration of options beyond Earth as a safety measure for humanity. “That’s why Musk is saying maybe humans should go to space, maybe build colonies elsewhere,” Kak suggested. This call to action is not purely speculative; it highlights a profound anxiety about what a dwindling global population could mean for the future of societal organisation and human continuity.

While the immediate effects of these demographic shifts are still unfolding, the implications are far-reaching. Scholars and policymakers are grappling with the necessity of innovative solutions, such as policies to promote family growth and support for increased workforce participation from various demographic groups. The challenge remains to balance technological advancement with sustainable population growth, addressing the risks of societal decline while nurturing human potential.

It is uncertain whether humanity will ultimately face extinction or merely a significant demographic shift, but Kak insists that the signs are clear. “What is absolutely certain is that there is a population collapse occurring right before our eyes,” he concluded, underscoring the urgency for societal reflection and action.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://nypost.com/2025/06/02/tech/ai-could-devastate-earths-population-down-to-the-size-of-the-uk-by-2300-expert-warns-people-really-dont-have-a-clue/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.capitalgroup.com/pcs/insights/articles/population-decline-upend-global-economy.html - This article discusses the potential economic impacts of global population decline, highlighting that a shrinking workforce could lead to slower GDP growth and increased economic pressure. It also explores how artificial intelligence (AI) and automation might mitigate these effects by enhancing productivity, suggesting that AI could help maintain economic stability despite demographic challenges.
https://onfra.io/blogs/population-decline-rising-automation-a-path-to-stability/ - The blog post examines the social consequences of a declining population, noting that as birth rates fall and populations age, automation and AI are increasingly filling labor shortages. It discusses the potential for improved work-life balance and the need for new social structures to address increased loneliness and social fragmentation resulting from these demographic shifts.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Population_decline - This Wikipedia article provides an overview of population decline, detailing its causes, such as low fertility rates and aging populations. It outlines potential negative effects, including economic recession, increased dependency ratios, and challenges in funding entitlement programs. The article also discusses national efforts to confront declining populations, such as promoting higher fertility rates and increasing the size of the workforce.
https://analysis.org/world-population-likely-to-shrink-after-mid-century-forecasting-major-shifts-in-global-population-and-economic-power/ - This analysis explores projections of global population decline after mid-century, forecasting significant shifts in global economic power. It highlights the potential for reduced GDP growth rates due to a declining working-age population and discusses the societal, economic, and geopolitical implications of these demographic changes.
https://www.mckinsey.com/mgi/our-research/dependency-and-depopulation-confronting-the-consequences-of-a-new-demographic-reality - This McKinsey report examines the implications of falling fertility rates and increasing longevity, noting that two-thirds of humanity lives in countries with fertility below the replacement rate. It discusses the potential for population collapse in major economies and the need for increased productivity to maintain economic growth.
https://www.locomobiworld.com/blog/the-decline-in-global-birth-rates-implications-for-robotics-and-ai - The article discusses the impact of declining global birth rates on the workforce and the increasing reliance on robotics and AI to fill labor gaps. It highlights how automation technologies can assist in sectors like healthcare and manufacturing, offsetting the effects of a shrinking workforce and maintaining productivity.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 7

Notes: The narrative presents a forecast from Subhash Kak, a professor at Oklahoma State University, about a potential global population decline due to AI and automation. Similar discussions by Kak on this topic date back to April 2024, indicating that the core content is not new. However, the specific figures and projections in the current report appear to be updated, suggesting a moderate freshness score. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a higher freshness score. No significant discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The narrative does not appear to be republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. No earlier versions show different figures, dates, or quotes. The article includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.

Quotes check

Score: 8

Notes: The direct quotes attributed to Subhash Kak in the narrative are consistent with his previous statements on the topic. For instance, Kak's Medium article from April 2024 discusses similar concerns about population decline due to AI and automation. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, suggesting that the quotes are original. However, the wording of the quotes varies slightly between sources, indicating potential paraphrasing.

Source reliability

Score: 6

Notes: The narrative originates from the New York Post, a reputable organisation. However, the report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a higher freshness score. The report does not appear to be republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. No person, organisation, or company mentioned in the report cannot be verified online.

Plausability check

Score: 7

Notes: The claims made in the narrative are plausible and align with existing discussions on the impact of AI and automation on global population trends. Similar concerns have been raised by experts, including Subhash Kak, in previous publications. The narrative lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which is a concern. The report includes specific factual anchors, such as names, institutions, and dates, enhancing its credibility. The language and tone are consistent with the region and topic. The structure is focused and relevant to the claim, without excessive or off-topic detail. The tone is appropriately dramatic and resembles typical corporate or official language.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The narrative presents a forecast about potential global population decline due to AI and automation, attributed to Subhash Kak. While the core content is not new, the specific figures and projections appear updated. The quotes are consistent with Kak's previous statements, suggesting originality. The source is reputable, and the claims are plausible, though lacking supporting detail from other reputable outlets. The language and tone are appropriate. Given the moderate freshness score and the lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets, the overall assessment is OPEN with medium confidence.

Artificial intelligence
Population decline
Automation
Demographic change
Subhash Kak
Future of work