In 2025, Big Tech companies have already slashed over 100,000 jobs, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a central role in this disruption. The rise of AI technologies has begun automating tasks once handled by human workers, particularly in entry- and mid-level positions. Companies like Meta and Microsoft have embraced these advancements, with Microsoft revealing that AI now accounts for writing 30% of its code. As a result, many jobs that were once considered secure are rapidly becoming obsolete.
The repercussions of this shift are felt not only by companies but by the broader workforce. AI is predicted to potentially eliminate half of all entry-level white-collar roles, leading to fears of unemployment spikes ranging from 10% to 20% in the near future. As the technology continues to evolve, a significant divide is emerging between elite AI talent and the broader workforce, with some engineers in AI companies commanding compensation packages in the hundreds of millions.
This growing reliance on AI raises pressing societal concerns about inequality, job security, and generational frustration, especially among younger workers, such as Gen Z, who are particularly vulnerable to these changes. These shifts in the job market prompt broader questions: will AI become a tool for progress, or will it deepen divisions and displace a large portion of the workforce?
As companies continue to integrate AI into their business models, the long-term impact on the global job market remains uncertain. Workers now face the challenge of adapting to a landscape where the demand for human labour is increasingly replaced by machine capabilities. The ability to navigate this change and acquire new skills will be crucial in staying competitive in an AI-driven economy.
