Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has funded the largest basic income study in the United States to date through his nonprofit organization, OpenResearch. This study provided unconditional cash payments to individuals living below the poverty line for a duration of three years.
Approximately 3,000 individuals aged 21 to 40 from Texas and Illinois, all earning less than $30,000 annually, participated in the research. A third of the participants received $1,000 per month, while the remaining group received $50 each month as a control.
The findings revealed that those receiving the larger payments had greater flexibility in seeking employment that aligned with their personal goals and aspirations. The authors of the study noted, “Cash can increase people’s agency to make employment decisions that align with their individual circumstances, goals, and values.” Recipients were not only more likely to search for work but were also more selective in their job choices.
One study participant shared, “Because of the [cash transfer] and being able to build up my savings, I’m in a position for once to be picky,” emphasizing the ability to avoid undesirable jobs for immediate income. Another recipient spoke about transitioning to a lower-paying entry-level job in a desired field and eventually reaching a six-figure salary, stating, “If I didn’t have the cash transfers, there is no way I could have taken that pay cut.”
The study did not indicate significant differences in overall employment levels between recipients of the larger payments and the control group. The recipients primarily used their additional funds for essential needs such as food, housing, and transportation, which also aided in addressing health issues like braces and treatment for alcoholism. While the cash payments helped reduce stress in the short term, the health benefits were noted to diminish after two years.
Altman has been a strong advocate for universal basic income, particularly as artificial intelligence continues to transform the labor market and displace certain jobs.
A clarification was made regarding the group responsible for the study; it was conducted by Altman’s nonprofit OpenResearch, not OpenAI.