I did another dive into AI systems recently, mostly instigated by job requirements. I pumped out some new imagery, and I have to say it’s greatly improved from the last time I took a dive.
People keep saying that the recent stream of mass layoffs is only using AI as an excuse, that no one is actually losing their jobs to AI. The real reason is overhiring during COVID.
Well, it’s 2026 now, and that reasoning just isn’t working any more.
Companies are cutting staff and forcing remaining workers to use AI to pick up the slack. Entry level hiring in areas affected by AI is down 12%. How is that not automation bias? How is that not related to AI?
By 2030, $7 trillion will have been invested in AI and their multiplying data centres.
The only way CEOs can make that massive investment pay off is with massive impact. AI company CEOs say flat out that their programs are designed to replace workers. Facebook was tracking employee keystrokes to get a better idea of how humans work, so they could feed it into the AI Maw.
How many salaries would $7 trillion cover?
AI chips wear out faster than human brains, and consume far more electricity and water. A human can work for 50+ years without needing to be replaced, but an AI chip needs to be replaced every 3-5 years.
Right now, AI companies are selling the services of their creations under cost. They’re burning billions of dollars. Why? It’s an old tactic: enter a market, sell under cost of production until all competition goes bankrupt, then jack the prices up sky high. Consumers have no choice but to buy your product: there's nothing else.
Who’s being undermined here?
Humans.
Put enough humans out of work, make corporations dependent on AI systems, and voila, you have a new dystopian future.
And I thought I was cynical!
AI started out as a fun toy. It got better, but still flawed enough to require human intervention.
Now?
Better than ever. Still flawed, but I can see it replacing workers now.
We’re told AI is inevitable. Get on board or get left behind.
And you know what?
That kind of fearmongering works… until you realize it's just a vulgar, obnoxious form of marketing mixed with intimidation.
