Microsoft Lays Off 9,000 Employees, Promotes AI Tools for Support

Microsoft recently laid off over 9,000 employees, prompting Xbox Executive Producer Matt Turnbull to encourage those affected to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot to help manage the emotional and cognitive challenges of job loss. Turnbull suggested AI could assist with resume tailoring, networking, and career planning, though his advice faced backlash and was later deleted. This situation reflects broader concerns about AI's impact on the workforce, with experts divided on whether entry-level or experienced white-collar workers face greater job displacement risks, as AI transforms job roles and automates routine tasks. While AI can enable smoother layoff processes and improve job search efficiency, experts caution that AI-driven workforce decisions require transparency, accurate data, and human oversight to maintain fairness and trust. Despite layoffs, Microsoft continues heavy investments in AI infrastructure, spending $80 billion to build data centers and integrating AI into coding processes, highlighting the complex balance between AI-driven innovation and employment challenges.