The artificial intelligence boom has fueled grand promises: cures for cancer, self-driving metropolises, and even interplanetary travel. It’s also powered a stock market surge that’s padded plenty of retirement accounts. But beneath the optimism, entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Andrew Yang says a far more immediate disruption is underway—and the U.S. is not ready for it.
“I believe that millions of white-collar workers are going to lose their jobs in the next 12 to 18 months due to AI,” Yang said in an Instagram video that’s garnered over 600,000 views.
“AI is now able to do the work of a very, very smart human in minutes or even seconds. This is going to displace marketers, coders, designers, lawyers, accountants, call center workers—you name it.”
Yang joins a chorus of business leaders—from Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei to Ford CEO Jim Farley—warning about the nightmare that could be coming for white-collar workers. However, the economic fallout in reality could reach far beyond office workers.
“When people lose their jobs, it affects dry cleaners, dog walkers, hairstylists, restaurants—all local businesses that see less people who are able to spend. Personal bankruptcies are going to surge,” Yang added.
