Core Viewpoint - The optimism surrounding AI's potential to create high-income jobs is contrasted by the reality of significant layoffs in the tech industry, driven by AI efficiency and replacement of human labor [1][5]. Group 1: Layoffs in the Tech Industry - Major tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta have initiated substantial layoffs, with over 100,000 jobs lost globally since 2025 due to AI-driven efficiency [1][5]. - Microsoft has laid off approximately 15,000 employees while increasing capital expenditure to $91-93 billion, focusing on AI data centers and GPU clusters [3]. - Amazon plans to cut up to 30,000 corporate jobs, nearly 10% of its workforce, as part of a strategy to optimize human resources through AI tools [5]. Group 2: AI's Impact on Employment - The current job market is experiencing a "structural contraction," with only 11% of companies expanding hiring due to AI, while 12% are reducing recruitment [5]. - Microsoft's revenue increased by 18% to $76.44 billion post-layoffs, but the benefits have not translated into widespread income growth, indicating a concentration of wealth among shareholders rather than employees [5][6]. - The transition from "scale expansion" to "AI-driven efficiency" is reshaping workplace dynamics, with employees required to adapt quickly to new AI collaboration skills [6][7]. Group 3: Future Implications - The urgency for workers to upgrade their AI skills is emphasized, with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stating that employees must complete this within a year to avoid being laid off [7]. - The disparity between the anticipated benefits of AI and the current reality of job losses raises concerns about the equitable distribution of AI's advantages [6][8].