tech
May 6, 2026
AI becomes the easy alibi for waves of layoffs
Economic data shows AI could decrease unemployment in the long run.
TL;DR
- Coinbase is laying off approximately 700 workers, citing the need to restructure around "AI-native" pods and talent.
- Companies are increasingly linking layoffs to AI, though this may be a mix of automation, cost-cutting, and market pressures.
- Some, like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, suggest companies may be "AI-washing" layoffs, using AI as an excuse for cuts they would have made anyway.
- While AI may cause short-term unemployment increases, economists predict it will create new jobs and potentially raise wages in the long run.
- The narrative of AI-driven job loss could give employers leverage over workers, potentially leading to lower wages.
- Despite short-term concerns, AI is currently creating more jobs than it's eliminating, partly due to demand in areas like data center construction.