Artificial intelligence, a non-human entity, has emerged as the leading candidate for Time magazine's 2025 Person of the Year. This development reflects a year dominated by discussions about AI's rapid integration into society and the profound questions it raises about the future.
Online prediction markets currently place the probability of AI receiving the title at over 40%, significantly ahead of the human figures who have shaped its development. The selection highlights a growing recognition of technology's direct and powerful influence on daily life, news cycles, and global conversations.
Key Takeaways
- Artificial Intelligence is the frontrunner for Time's 2025 Person of the Year, with prediction markets giving it a greater than 40% chance.
- Key AI executives Jensen Huang and Sam Altman are the next most likely candidates, with 20% and 15% chances, respectively.
- This would not be the first time a non-human entity was chosen; past selections include The Computer (1982) and Endangered Earth (1988).
- Public sentiment towards AI is mixed, with a recent poll showing 53% of Americans believe it could eventually pose an existential threat.
- A significant generational gap exists in AI adoption, with 82% of Gen Z using AI chatbots compared to only 33% of Baby Boomers.
A Non-Human Contender
Time magazine's annual selection, a tradition since 1927, aims to identify the person or concept that has most shaped the events of the year, for better or worse. While typically awarded to an individual, the magazine has previously broken with tradition to acknowledge broader forces.
Should AI be chosen, it would join a small but significant list of non-human honorees. In 1982, the magazine named The Personal Computer its "Machine of the Year," recognizing its transformative effect on society. Similarly, in 1988, "Endangered Earth" was named "Planet of the Year" to highlight the growing environmental crisis.
The 2006 selection of "You" also serves as a precedent, celebrating the rise of user-generated content on early social media platforms. The potential selection of AI in 2025 would follow this pattern, acknowledging a technological force that has become a central character in the human story.
The Selection Criteria
According to Time, the Person of the Year title is reserved for "the person or persons who most affected the news and our lives, for good or ill, and embodied what was important about the year, for better or for worse." The criteria emphasize influence over approval, meaning the selection is not necessarily an endorsement.
The Human Element of AI's Rise
While AI itself leads the predictions, the individuals behind its recent advancements are also prominent contenders. Jensen Huang, the founder of the chip-making giant Nvidia, holds the second-highest odds at 20%. Nvidia's hardware has been crucial to the development of powerful AI models.
Following him is Sam Altman, chief executive of OpenAI, the company behind the widely used chatbot ChatGPT. Altman is seen as a key figure in bringing generative AI to the mainstream, with his odds estimated at 15%.
The proximity of these two executives to the top spot underscores that while AI is an abstract concept, its influence is driven by very specific human decisions and corporate strategies.
Other notable figures on the list include Pope Leo XIV (7%), former President Donald Trump (3%), and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (3%), reflecting a year of significant global, political, and social events.
Public Perception and Generational Divides
The discussion around AI's prominence is happening alongside growing public apprehension. A recent poll conducted by Yahoo/YouGov revealed a deep-seated anxiety about the technology's future trajectory.
Public Concern by the Numbers
- 53% of Americans believe it is likely that artificial intelligence will "destroy humanity" someday.
- 63% think it's likely AI will become so advanced that humans will no longer be able to control it.
This concern is contrasted by a stark generational gap in AI adoption. The same polling organization found that young adults are embracing AI tools at a much higher rate than older generations.
The data shows that 82% of Gen Z adults report having used an AI chatbot. This figure drops to 68% for Millennials and 54% for Gen X. The lowest adoption rate is among Baby Boomers, with only 33% having used such tools.
This divide highlights two parallel realities: while younger generations are integrating AI into their daily lives for tasks ranging from schoolwork to creative projects, a majority of the population harbors significant fears about its ultimate consequences. This tension between utility and fear is central to AI's impact in 2025.
A Reflection of Modern Anxieties
The potential selection of AI as Person of the Year is more than a novelty. It represents a global acknowledgment that humanity is grappling with a creation that could fundamentally reshape society.
The debate is no longer confined to Silicon Valley or academic circles; it is a mainstream conversation touching on jobs, ethics, creativity, and what it means to be human. Whether AI is ultimately chosen or not, its position as the frontrunner confirms its status as the most dominant and defining force of the year.