Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has financed the largest basic income study in the United States to date, through his nonprofit organization, OpenResearch. The initiative involved researchers providing unconditional cash payments to individuals living below the poverty line for a duration of three years.
The study included approximately 3,000 participants aged between 21 and 40 from Texas and Illinois, all of whom earned less than $30,000 annually. One-third of these participants received $1,000 each month, while the remaining individuals in the control group were given $50.
Findings from the study indicated that those receiving the larger payments had increased freedom to pursue jobs that aligned with their personal preferences. The authors noted that the cash assistance allowed individuals to make employment choices that reflected their goals and values. Recipients were found to be more likely to search for jobs but with greater selectivity.
One participant expressed that the cash transfers allowed them to save and be more discerning in their job search, stating, “I don’t have to take a crappy job just because I need income right now. I have the opportunity to hold out and try and find the right fit.” Another recipient shared their ability to accept a lower-paying entry-level position in a desired field, leading to a six-figure salary within two years, asserting that without the cash assistance, they wouldn’t have been able to make that choice.
However, the study found no significant difference in employment rates between those receiving the larger payments and the control group. Recipients mainly allocated the funds to cover basic necessities, including food, housing, and transportation. The payments also facilitated access to healthcare needs such as braces and treatment for alcoholism. Despite an initial reduction in stress, many of the health benefits diminished after two years.
Sam Altman advocates for universal basic income, especially as artificial intelligence continues to transform the labor market and displace certain jobs.
An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified the group behind the study, clarifying that it was Sam Altman’s nonprofit, OpenResearch, rather than OpenAI.