Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas has a message for Generation Z: If you’re spending hours every day scrolling through Instagram, it may be time to reconsider your priorities. According to Srinivas, trading some of that screen time for hands-on learning with artificial intelligence (AI) tools could give young people a unique edge in the job market—an edge that may soon be indispensable.
In a recent interview with Matthew Berman, as well as in an appearance on The Verge’s “Decoder” podcast, Srinivas stressed that the ability to harness AI is quickly becoming a crucial skill for the next generation of workers. “You’re going to get left behind if you don’t keep up,” Srinivas warned, noting that major advancements in AI occur every three to six months—far outpacing the speed at which society typically adapts to technological shifts.
The Case for AI Proficiency
Srinivas’ warning isn’t just speculation—it’s backed by the rapid integration of AI technologies across almost all sectors. Recent research from the World Economic Forum indicated that 85 million jobs may be displaced by automation and AI by 2025, but 97 million new roles—requiring more digital and AI fluency—will emerge. What’s more, LinkedIn’s most recent Emerging Jobs Report reveals that AI specialists, machine learning engineers, and data scientists are among the fastest-growing roles globally.
However, a startling skills gap persists. According to a 2024 IBM report, only 28% of Gen Z workers feel confident in their AI abilities—compared to 45% of Millennials and 53% of Gen X. “The sooner Gen Z embraces AI—beyond surface-level use—the better positioned they’ll be,” says Srinivas.
Why Instagram Is a Distraction
Instagram and other social media platforms occupy a significant share of young people’s time. Data from Statista shows the average Gen Z user spends nearly 3 hours daily on social media—including more than 30 minutes each day on Instagram alone. While Instagram can offer connection and inspiration, Srinivas argues that trading even a fraction of that time for building AI literacy could yield substantial long-term benefits, from higher-paying jobs to greater career resilience.
The Swift Evolution of AI
The pace of progress in AI is like nothing humanity has seen before. Srinivas notes that every three to six months, new models and platforms redefine what’s possible. Tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity’s upcoming Comet browser are not only automating routine tasks—they’re redefining what it means to work in fields like marketing, research, customer service, and even recruitment.
For example, Srinivas highlighted in his podcast appearance that sophisticated AI models could already automate complex workflows typical of recruiting—sourcing candidates, scheduling, and even preparing briefs—tasks that traditionally required hours of human effort. “A recruiter’s work worth one week is just one prompt,” he explained, underscoring the dramatic increase in task efficiency powered by AI.
Preparing for the Inevitable
While Srinivas acknowledges that keeping up with these changes can feel overwhelming, he insists that the risk of being left behind far outweighs the challenge. The future job market will increasingly value those who can leverage AI tools—not merely as consumers, but as proficient, creative users who can pair human judgment with machine intelligence.
Perplexity’s own Comet browser, still in limited rollout but soon accessible to all users, serves as an entry point for anyone ready to start. Even as advanced features remain behind a paywall, Srinivas encourages Gen Z to get hands-on experience with whatever AI tools and platforms are available.
For Gen Z, the choice is stark—either passively consume or actively participate in the AI revolution. The time to act, Srinivas contends, is now.
