Currently, my Gmail inbox holds 84,685 unread messages. If an AI could automatically clear this backlog, I’d be happy to invest in it. Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, has announced plans for a revolutionary Gmail AI tool that could answer emails for users.

Speaking at the SXSW London festival, this visionary pointed to the challenges of having bots emailing other bots. Hassabis, who predicted artificial general intelligence (AGI) to arrive in the next 5 to 10 years, shared his profound desire to eliminate the hassle of managing emails, stating, “I would love to get rid of my email. I would pay thousands of dollars per month to get rid of that.”

He emphasized the idea of an AI tool that would identify essential emails and respond in the user’s personal style, potentially even making simple decisions on their behalf.

While this technology has immense potential, it also raises critical questions about reliance on AI for personal communications. One might wonder whether it’s wise to delegate email management to an AI, especially when personal touches and context matter. The scenario of two AI-driven Gmail accounts conversing could lead to endless, automated email exchanges.

Hassabis intriguingly proposed that AI could also focus on shielding people from distracting algorithms, providing individuals with more quality time. A future where Google’s bots safeguard users from competitive attention-seeking algorithms may soon become a reality, leading us through a fascinating yet complex digital landscape.