Saturday, February 21, 2026

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Suggests AI is Being Unfairly Blamed for Recent Mass Layoffs

In recent months, major companies like Amazon, Meta, Citi, and IBM have cited artificial intelligence (AI) as a significant reason for workforce reductions amid widespread layoffs across various sectors, including technology and retail. However, OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman challenged the prevailing narrative at the AI Impact Summit, suggesting that while AI may displace certain jobs, some layoffs are being inappropriately attributed to AI rather than economic shifts. He emphasized that AI also presents opportunities for new job creation. Amazon’s CEO Andy Jassy acknowledged that while AI enhances efficiency and may reduce corporate roles, potential new roles could arise as the technology evolves. Despite these claims, factors such as economic uncertainty and changes in immigration policy are also influencing these layoffs. Industry leaders continue to assert that AI is reshaping how tasks are performed, yet labor market data suggests its direct impact on job losses remains minimal.

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