Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has funded the largest basic income study in the United States to date through his nonprofit organization, OpenResearch. The initiative provided unconditional cash payments to individuals living below the poverty line over a three-year period.
The study involved approximately 3,000 participants aged 21 to 40 from Texas and Illinois, all earning less than $30,000 annually. One-third of the participants, who received $1,000 per month, were compared to a control group that received $50.
Findings from the research indicated that those receiving the larger payments experienced greater flexibility in seeking employment that aligned with their personal aspirations. The authors of the study articulated that “cash can increase people’s agency to make employment decisions that align with their individual circumstances, goals, and values,” noting that recipients were more likely to job hunt and advised a more selective job search.
In an interview, one participant expressed how the cash transfers allowed them to save, stating, “I’m in a position for once to be picky… I don’t have to take a crappy job just because I need income right now.” Another recipient shared their experience of taking a lower-paying entry-level job in a desirable field, which eventually led to a six-figure salary after two years, a path they said would not have been possible without the cash assistance.
The study, however, reported no significant difference in employment levels between the recipients of the larger payments and the control group. Participants primarily used the payments for essential needs, including food, housing, and transportation. The funds also aided recipients in covering health-related expenses, such as braces and treatment for alcoholism. While the initial cash assistance helped reduce stress, many of the health benefits appear to have diminished after two years.
Sam Altman has championed the concept of universal basic income as artificial intelligence changes the labor landscape and displaces certain jobs.
Correction: A prior version of this article incorrectly identified the organization that conducted the study. It was Sam Altman’s nonprofit, OpenResearch, not OpenAI.