George Hahn

Few brands have fallen further faster in the past 18 months than America and AI.

Last week, I wrote about the reckoning I see coming for America.

This week, let's talk about a reckoning I don't believe will happen, the AI job apocalypse.

Every generation gets its machines-will-take-your-job panic.

This one just comes with better PR and a bigger balance sheet.

The AI job apocalypse isn't data-driven.

It's narrative-driven, engineered by people who profit when you're scared.

Fear is the product.

Capital is the outcome.

I believe that, similar to every other technological innovation in history, AI will inspire job destruction that will result in an increase in productivity, profits, reinvestment and, wait for it, jobs.

The relevant question isn't how many jobs we'll lose or gain, it's whether the velocity of disruption will overwhelm that period of adaptation and recovery.

There are three scenarios.

The AI bubble bursts, AI delivers as promised but on a slower timeline, and AI disruption comes faster than the market can adapt and respond.

Recently, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodi warned that 50% of entry-level tech, legal, consulting, and finance jobs will be completely wiped out within five years.

Last year, he told Axios the white-collar bloodbath could spike unemployment to 20%.

In 2023, when the AI narrative felt more optimistic, Elon Musk said, There will come a point where no job is needed.

AI will be able to do everything.

In 2021, a year before launching ChatGPT, Sam Altman wrote, Translation?

AI is an extinction level event for workers, according to those who benefit most from AI being an extinction level event.

Their story is as old as the Industrial Revolution.