Anthropic CEO makes 'Dooms Day' prediction on AI: Mass elimination of jobs across….
Representational
Anthropic
CEO
Dario Amodei
warned that artificial intelligence could eliminate 50% of entry-level white-collar jobs within the next five years, potentially driving US unemployment to 20%. The stark prediction comes as AI technology rapidly advances, with sectors including technology, finance, law, and consulting facing the greatest disruption.
"We, as the producers of this technology, have a duty and an obligation to be honest about what is coming," Amodei told Axios in an interview published Wednesday. The 42-year-old CEO emphasized that most people remain unaware of the impending transformation, calling it a reality that "sounds crazy, and people just don't believe it."
Tech industry already feeling the impact of AI
Recent data supports Amodei's concerns, with Big Tech hiring of new graduates dropping 50% since pre-pandemic levels, according to venture capital firm SignalFire. The report attributes this decline partly to AI adoption, as companies prioritize experienced workers who can leverage AI tools effectively.
"AI is doing what interns and new grads used to do," explained Heather Doshay, a SignalFire partner. "Now, you can hire one experienced worker, equip them with AI tooling, and they can produce the output of the junior worker on top of their own."
Entry-level candidates now account for just 7% of total hires at Big Tech firms in 2024, down 25% from the previous year. At startups, that figure drops to 6%.
Government and tech industry 'sugarcoating' risks, says Anthropic CEO
Amodei criticized both government officials and business leaders for downplaying the scale of disruption ahead. He argued that the US government remains quiet about AI's job displacement potential, fearing worker panic or falling behind China in the AI race.
The Anthropic CEO acknowledged the irony of his position—simultaneously building and selling AI products while warning about their risks. He envisions a future where "cancer is cured, the economy grows 10% a year, the budget is balanced—and 20% of people don't have jobs."
Amodei urged immediate action to prepare for this transformation, emphasizing that the technology cannot be stopped but can be steered with proper planning and policy intervention.
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