Time magazine is set to reveal its 2025 Person of the Year on Thursday, with the frontrunner being an unexpected choice: artificial intelligence. This marks a significant shift as the publication has traditionally named individuals since its inception in 1927, having changed the title from Man of the Year to Person of the Year in 1999.
Current predictions from online betting platforms indicate a strong likelihood for AI to take the prestigious title, with Polymarket estimating more than a 60% chance of it winning. Following AI in the rankings are notable figures like Jensen Huang, founder of Nvidia, and Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, holding 16% and 13% chances respectively. The top ten list also features Pope Leo XIV, President Trump, New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu among others, though with much lower probabilities.
Time magazine describes the Person of the Year title as awarded to “the person or persons who most affected the news and our lives, for good or ill,” emphasizing that these figures can sometimes extend beyond human subjects. This would not be the first instance of a nonhuman recipient; previous honorees included the personal computer in 1982 and the concept of “Endangered Earth” in 1988.
The increasing prominence of AI in public discourse has sparked both excitement and concern. Recent polls reveal a mixed sentiment among the American public about AI’s future. A Yahoo/YouGov survey shows that a significant majority, 53%, believe AI could eventually pose a threat to humanity, with 63% concerned about its potential to become uncontrollable.
Generational differences in AI interactions are also notable. Over 80% of Gen Z individuals have engaged with AI chatbots, while only 33% of their boomer counterparts have done the same. Gen X and millennials show moderate usage rates, highlighting a growing familiarity and acceptance of these technologies among younger populations.
In addition to the upcoming Person of the Year announcement, Time has recently honored several notable figures with year-end awards, such as Athlete of the Year to WNBA star A’ja Wilson and Entertainer of the Year to actor Leonardo DiCaprio, showcasing a vibrant array of contributions across various fields.
This indication of AI’s potential recognition serves as a reflection of its growing influence on society and the conversations it invokes about technology’s role in the future.