Will AI take my job? Ask an economist!

Artificial intelligence creates significant anxiety regarding future job security, yet current data shows no evidence of widespread displacement. While entry-level workers in sectors like software engineering and customer service face increased difficulty securing employment, senior professionals may find opportunities by managing AI-driven agents. Developing "pro-worker" technology that augments human capabilities rather than replacing them remains a critical, though currently neglected, path for industry leaders. Economists Daron Acemoglu and Erik Brynjolfsson emphasize that the trajectory of AI is not inevitable; it requires intentional steering through better benchmarks that prioritize human-machine collaboration. For those entering the workforce, success depends on maintaining professional flexibility and exercising democratic agency to influence how these powerful tools are deployed in society.