AI won't take your job. You may get fired anyway
13 hours ago
- #Labor Market Trends
- #Technology Economics
- #AI and Programming Jobs
- AI-assisted coding increases software demand via Jevons paradox, similar to how cheaper computers led to more computing, not less.
- Programmers face layoffs not due to AI replacing jobs, but due to shareholder-driven performative cuts to signal AI commitment, undermining software quality.
- Software demand is elastic: lower development costs expand applications, from hobby projects (e.g., rabbit booking system) to commercial ventures (e.g., reimplementing Microsoft Word).
- China prioritizes labor stability, with court rulings against AI-driven dismissals and long-term software investment, contrasting U.S. focus on shareholder value.
- Europe struggles with procurement models favoring proprietary systems, leading to failures like Sweden's health record system, despite open-source strategies.
- Productivity gains from AI should reduce working hours, as shown by four-day week pilots improving well-being and output, but political choices hinder this.