Perplexity’s AI tool may replace key white-collar roles, CEO warns
Backed by Nvidia and Bezos, Perplexity’s Comet may automate calendars, outreach, and admin workflows—raising concerns across industries.
Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas has made a striking forecast: his company’s AI-powered browser “Comet” could soon replace recruiters and executive assistants in every company.
Speaking on The Verge’s “Decoder” podcast, Srinivas explains how browser-native AI is evolving from simple query tools into fully autonomous task manager.
From chatbots to browser-based autonomy
Srinivas argues that traditional chatbots lack the deep contextual awareness enabled by browser integration like Gmail, LinkedIn, and calendars—that empowers Comet to automate entire workflows. By functioning as an “AI operating system,” Comet can:
- Source and engage job candidates via LinkedIn and email
- Schedule and reschedule meetings, handle follow‑ups, and sync calendars
- Prepare briefing notes for upcoming meetings
These were once the domain of recruiters and executive assistants
One prompt, one week’s work
According to Srinivas, processes that take a recruiter a week—a single prompt to Comet can handle all of them: candidate sourcing, outreach, tracking, follow‑ups, spreadsheet updates, and scheduling.
Comet in beta
Comet is still in beta and invite-only, targeting premium users. But Perplexity, backed by Nvidia, Bezos, Accel, and Eric Schmidt, sees enormous potential.
Srinivas envisions users paying steep prices—if the AI can help generate millions in value.
Upskilling is key
In a companion conversation with journalist Matthew Berman, Srinivas emphasized that the real risk isn’t technology, but not adopting it: “AI won’t replace you; someone using AI will”.
He encouraged professionals especially Gen Z to pivot from passive ‘doomscrolling’ toward active AI learning.
What this means for companies & workers
- Recruiters and EAs should prepare for radical change, upskilling toward strategic, high-value tasks.
- Businesses must evaluate AI workflows ethically and strategically.
- The rise of tools like Comet highlights a broader question: will AI phones just enhance roles—or eliminate them?
Perplexity’s Comet signals a new era where a single tool can automate weeks of white-collar labor. Whether this marks the end of recruiters and executive assistants or opens doors for new roles, depends on how quickly both companies and individuals adapt.