Sam Altman and Dario Amodei are both walking back AI jobs apocalypse predictions

fortune.com
May 28, 2026
5 min read
59/100
Summary
Sam Altman and Dario Amodei have revised their earlier predictions about AI causing significant job losses in white-collar sectors. Altman acknowledged he was "pretty wrong" regarding the economic impact of AI on entry-level roles.
Key Takeaways
- Sam Altman admitted he was "pretty wrong" about AI's impact on entry-level white-collar jobs, stating that the expected job displacement has not materialized.
- Dario Amodei revised his earlier claim that AI could eliminate 50% of white-collar jobs, now suggesting that automation may actually enhance productivity and expand job roles.
- Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon argued that historical trends show new job creation in response to technological disruption, countering fears of an AI job apocalypse.
- Despite ongoing tech layoffs, the overall U.S. civilian employment has grown significantly since 1962, indicating resilience in the job market amid technological advancements.
Coverage & discussions
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Community discussions
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Community Sentiment
Positives
- AI has the potential to enhance productivity significantly, as evidenced by instances where it has autonomously solved complex problems and iterated on processes effectively.
- The shift in narrative from AI replacing jobs to emphasizing collaboration with developers indicates a growing recognition of AI's supportive role in the workforce.
- The discussion around AI applications highlights the importance of finding ways to enhance employee productivity rather than solely focusing on cost-cutting measures.
Concerns
- Many executives prioritize short-term profits over employee welfare, leading to a mindset that seeks to eliminate jobs rather than enhance them with AI.
- The rapid deployment of AI technologies has sparked widespread concern among the public, with over 50% of Americans feeling more anxious than excited about its impact.
- The initial predictions of an AI jobs apocalypse have created a backlash, resulting in a PR effort to downplay the potential negative consequences of AI on employment.
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