Aravind Srinivas, CEO of AI-powered search engine Perplexity, urged young people to shift their focus from social media scrolling to learning about artificial intelligence (AI). According to Srinivas, embracing AI tools is no longer optional but a necessity for staying competitive in today’s rapidly evolving job market.
“People who adapt AI skills shall have better job prospects,” Srinivas emphasized. He expressed concern over the growing trend of “doomscrolling”—endlessly consuming often negative or unproductive content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok—at the expense of acquiring transformative tech skills.
Srinivas highlighted that AI is progressing at an unprecedented speed, with groundbreaking developments being introduced almost every week. This rapid innovation, he noted, is testing the limits of how quickly humans can adapt to technological change. “The human race has never been extremely fast at adapting,” he remarked. “But we don’t have the luxury of time anymore.”
He believes that those who invest time in understanding and using AI tools will be better positioned to thrive in a tech-driven economy, while those who ignore these changes may find themselves left behind. From automation in workplaces to AI-assisted creativity, Srinivas pointed out that AI is becoming embedded in nearly every industry—from healthcare and finance to journalism and education.
The CEO called for a cultural shift in how young people view technology—not just as entertainment, but as a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. He suggested that instead of passively consuming content, youth should become active participants in shaping the future by learning to work with AI.
Srinivas’s comments come at a time when education systems worldwide are grappling with how best to incorporate AI into curricula, and employers are seeking candidates who are comfortable navigating new tech landscapes.
As AI continues to reshape industries, Srinivas’s message is clear: mastering AI tools isn’t just smart—it’s essential for future success.