Speaking remotely via webcam at the VivaTech 2024 conference in Paris, Musk described a future where people have the freedom to choose their work.

"If you want to do something that's fun, you can do it," Musk said. "But otherwise, AI and robots will provide everything you need."

He stated that achieving this scenario would require "universal high income," which is different from universal basic income (although he did not specify what that would look like). Universal basic income refers to the government providing a certain amount of money to everyone, regardless of their earnings.

"Goods and services will not be in short supply," he said.

In recent years, the capabilities of artificial intelligence have skyrocketed, with such speed that regulators, companies, and consumers are still figuring out how to responsibly use this technology. As AI becomes more prevalent in the market, concerns about how various industries and jobs will change are also growing.

In January of this year, researchers from MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory found that the adoption of AI in the workplace is happening at a much slower pace than some had expected and feared. The report also noted that many jobs previously identified as being susceptible to AI automation were not economically viable for employers to automate at that time.

Experts also generally believe that many jobs requiring high emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills will not be replaced, such as mental health professionals, creative workers, and teachers.

Musk has been outspoken about his concerns regarding artificial intelligence. In his keynote speech on Thursday, he referred to the technology as his biggest fear. He quoted Ian Banks' "Culture" series, a utopian fictional story about a society ruled by advanced technology, considering it the most realistic and "best-case scenario for AI."

However, in a future without jobs, Musk questioned whether people would find emotional fulfillment.

"The real question will be about meaning – if computers and robots can do it better than you, does your life still have meaning?" he said. "I do think there is still a role for humans in this regard – that is, we may give AI meaning."

He also took the opportunity to urge parents to limit the amount of social media their children are exposed to because "they are being programmed by an AI that maximizes dopamine release."