The Human Cost of Unregulated AI: A Follow-Up on the Labor Crisis
As the impact of unregulated AI continues to unfold, the real-world consequences are becoming increasingly clear. In a recent video montage, I shared my personal story, which mirrors the struggles faced by thousands of tech workers and professionals from various fields. Despite seven years of college education and a decade-long career in data analytics, I find myself on the brink of homelessness. This situation starkly contrasts with the narrative presented by Jerome Powell, President of the Federal Reserve, who recently described the labor market as “normalizing.”
The self-tape video, titled "Voices of Displacement: The Human Cost of Unregulated AI," aims to shed light on the true state of the labor market. It’s not just my story; it's a collective experience of many who have been displaced by AI-driven operational changes. The rapid integration of AI into business processes has left a significant number of qualified professionals struggling to find work. Companies like Meta, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, PayPal, UPS, and most recently Intuit/TurboTax, just to name a few, have laid off thousands of employees, further shrinking the job pool.
One of the most frustrating aspects of this job search is the automated rejection from Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems often discard applications due to minor formatting issues, regardless of the applicant's qualifications. Despite investing in paid services to make my résumé bot-friendly and using AI to enhance my skillset presentation, I still face constant rejections. This is not merely a technical glitch; it represents a significant barrier contributing to a broader labor crisis.
The consequences of this crisis extend beyond unemployment. Many former tech professionals, including myself, who once earned six-figure salaries, now struggle to afford basic living expenses. This economic strain is particularly severe in high-cost states like California, leading to a housing crisis. Formerly stable professionals are now facing the possibility of homelessness.
The labor and housing crises are further exacerbated by a growing mental health crisis. The financial hardship and emotional toll of prolonged unemployment, coupled with a loss of self-worth, are pushing many to their limits. The rapid advancements in AI, such as ChatGPT’s ability to perform data analysis and generate reports, cast doubts on the future demand for roles like data analysts and software engineers. Employers are increasingly opting for affordable AI solutions over human employees, worsening the employment dilemma.
As inflation and unemployment rise, critical questions arise about the government's role in addressing these challenges. What plans of action are in place to support displaced workers? Are there robust reskilling and upskilling programs to keep these workers relevant in an evolving job market? Unfortunately, the answers are bleak. The government, preoccupied with partisan conflicts and election-year distractions, has shown little initiative in regulating how many employees companies can replace with AI or ensuring economic stability.
This troubling situation paints a bleak picture of our country's future. Without decisive action and innovative solutions, we risk deepening economic divides and social unrest. It's imperative for policymakers, industry leaders, and communities to come together to forge a path forward that balances technological progress with human welfare. The untold truth of the American labor, housing, and mental health crises demands our immediate attention and collective effort to create a more equitable and sustainable future.
In my follow-up communication with Annie Butler, I emphasized these points and shared the video montage to provide a firsthand account of the current labor crisis. I also invited her to read my latest blog article, titled "The Untold Crisis: How Unregulated AI and ATS Systems Are Reshaping the American Job Market," which delves deeper into these issues.
We must confront these challenges head-on. The voices of displaced workers cannot be ignored, and the human cost of unregulated AI must be addressed. It is only through awareness, advocacy, and decisive action that we can hope to create a future where technological advancements benefit everyone, not just a privileged few.
Subject: Urgent Follow-Up: Labor Crisis and Unregulated AI Impact
Email Content:
Dear Annie,
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow up on our previous conversation and share a candid self-tape video titled “ Voices of Displacement: The Human Cost of Unregulated AI” that captures my true situation. This video is not unique to me but reflects the experiences of thousands of displaced tech workers and professionals from various fields facing similar hardships.
In the video, I highlight the severe labor crisis caused by unregulated AI. Despite having seven years of college education and a decade-long career in data analytics, I am now on the verge of homelessness. This reality starkly contrasts with what Jerome Powell, President of the Federal Reserve, recently described as a “normalizing” labor market.
Additionally, I invite you to read my latest blog article titled, "The Untold Crisis: How Unregulated AI and ATS Systems Are Reshaping the American Job Market." Here’s a brief excerpt:
The Untold Crisis: How Unregulated AI and ATS Systems Are Reshaping the American Job Market
Last November, I found myself at a crossroads after losing my job as a data analyst. Since then, I’ve struggled to reenter the job market, a struggle shared by thousands of tech workers.
The primary cause? The rapid streamlining of operations by tech companies to AI. A striking example is Intuit/TurboTax, which recently laid off 1,800 workers as part of their AI integration strategy. This trend has left an overwhelming number of qualified professionals competing for a shrinking pool of jobs.
One of the most frustrating barriers in this job search is the automated rejection from Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems often discard applications not because of a lack of qualifications but due to minor formatting issues. Despite investing in paid services to make my résumé bot-friendly and leveraging AI to enhance my skillset presentation, my applications still face rejection. This systemic flaw is not just a technical glitch; it’s a significant contributor to a broader labor crisis.
The repercussions extend beyond employment. Many, like myself, who once earned six-figure salaries, now struggle to afford basic living expenses, especially in high-cost states like California. This economic strain is leading to a housing crisis as former tech professionals are unable to maintain their previous standards of living.
The labor and housing crises are further compounded by a growing mental health crisis. The financial hardship, coupled with the emotional toll of prolonged unemployment and a loss of self-worth, is pushing many to their limits. The rapid advancements in AI, such as ChatGPT’s ability to perform data analysis and generate reports, raise doubts about the future demand for roles like data analysts and software engineers. Employers are likely to opt for affordable AI solutions over human employees, exacerbating the employment dilemma.
As inflation and unemployment rise, critical questions emerge about the government’s role in addressing these challenges. What plans of action are in place to support displaced workers? Are there robust reskilling and upskilling programs designed to keep these workers relevant in an evolving job market? Unfortunately, the answers are bleak. The government, preoccupied with bipartisan conflicts and election-year distractions, has shown little initiative in regulating how many employees companies can replace with AI or ensuring economic stability.
The situation paints a troubling picture of where our country is headed. Without decisive action and innovative solutions, we risk deepening economic divides and social unrest. It's imperative for policymakers, industry leaders, and communities to come together and forge a path forward that balances technological progress with human welfare. The untold truth of the American labor, housing, and mental health crises demands our immediate attention and collective effort to create a more equitable and sustainable future.
I hope this gives you a clearer picture of the current labor crisis and the urgent need for regulatory measures. I look forward to your thoughts on this matter and any potential steps we can take to address these pressing issues.
Best regards,
Kevin Bihan-Poudec
Founder, Voice For Change Foundation | Advocating for Ethical AI and Job Preservation
