Anthropic CEO: AI Will Not Only Replace Jobs, But Also Unprepared Humans

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — The wave of artificial intelligence is no longer confined to laboratories or merely serving as a productivity aid. It is penetrating deeper, transforming the way humans work, make decisions, and even determining who remains relevant in the job market. In this rapidly changing landscape, a warning comes from the pinnacle of the technology industry itself.

Dario Amodei, a key figure behind the development of generative AI, asserts that the impact of this technology on jobs will be far greater than many imagine. He even predicts that up to half of entry-level white-collar jobs could disappear in the coming years.

“AI can eliminate most entry-level jobs in the white-collar sector in a relatively short time,” Amodei stated in various forums and public interviews, emphasising the scale of the ongoing changes, as reported by The Times of India.

This statement is not mere empty alarm. Industry data shows that tens of thousands of tech workers have lost their jobs in the first few months of this year, with a significant portion linked to AI-based automation and efficiency. This phenomenon marks a shift that is no longer theoretical but already occurring in the field.

However, behind these numbers lies a quieter story about humans striving to survive amid change. Some experienced professionals who have worked in their fields for decades now face a new reality: old jobs are increasingly hard to find, while skill demands change rapidly.

Some of them are transitioning to new roles that did not even exist a decade ago, such as AI data trainers. They help machines learn, correct errors, and refine responses. Ironically, in the process, they are also contributing to systems that may one day replace their own roles.

For some workers, this transition becomes a path to survival. But for others, it feels like a downgrade, from established careers with high incomes to unstable contract work without long-term guarantees.

This is where the paradox of AI lies: it opens new opportunities but also narrows space for those unprepared to adapt.

Amodei also reminds that this impact will not occur as slowly as previous industrial revolutions. “Most people have not yet truly understood how great the changes that will occur are,” he said, highlighting the gap between technological acceleration and societal preparedness.