The real challenge with AI isn’t the technology itself—it’s the people. Specifically, those at the helm of major corporations integrating AI into their operations and those who find themselves displaced as a result.
Many have dismissed concerns about AI eliminating jobs, assuring me, “Relax. Companies might downsize a bit, but new roles will emerge.” Yet, recent layoffs at Workday, Salesforce, and Meta suggest otherwise (Arezki, 2025). Programmers, once the backbone of tech innovation, now find themselves in the crosshairs, with no safety net provided by these firms. Even Microsoft—long considered a pillar of tech sector stability—has abandoned promises to prioritize internal reassignments for affected employees, opting instead for cold layoffs without severance.
History will ultimately determine whether these warnings were justified. In the meantime, examining past industrial shifts may offer some insight. Consider the automobile industry’s transformation since the 1970s. In 1978, U.S. manufacturing lines employed 19.5 million workers. By January 2020, that number had plummeted to less than one million (elysehrobinson, 2020). The driving force? Automation and robotics. What happened to those 18.5 million workers? They had to adapt, often struggling to find new roles.
Before jumping to conclusions about blame, let’s be clear: this isn’t about vilifying automakers. They faced their own challenges, and many—both domestic and foreign—implemented reskilling programs to help displaced workers transition into new careers. These initiatives softened the economic and human impact of automation, offering a model we should consider today. Yet, the tech sector appears largely indifferent to similar efforts (Arezki, 2025).
So, how do we address this looming economic and humanitarian crisis? The solution will require a collective effort—socially responsible corporations, visionary leaders, and engaged citizens must step up. While the situation seems grim, now is not the time for despair. Plato’s Allegory of the Cave comes to mind: many are paralyzed by fear and uncertainty, unable to see beyond their immediate struggles. But those of us who grasp the bigger picture must remain clear-headed, focusing on actionable solutions.
In a previous post, I explored methods for influencing political change. If we hope to reshape the future and gain the attention of those in power, we must take decisive action—implementing strategies that force policymakers and corporate leaders to reconsider their approach. The road ahead won’t be easy, but it is essential to safeguard our society’s future.
References:
- Arezki Amiri (2025). Mark Zuckerberg Announces the Beginning of the End for Programmers
- Elysehrobinson (2020). Automobile Manufacturing Employment – Applied Geographic Solutions.
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