AI panic ignores something important — the evidence

Overblown claims about AI's impact on jobs ignore the data showing a more gradual, uneven transformation.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A recent post by tech entrepreneur and investor Matt Shumer went viral on social media, warning that artificial intelligence would soon decimate professional jobs. However, the underlying data has not changed that much, with national productivity statistics remaining within their historic range. Experts argue that a slow and deliberate approach to AI's impact, prioritizing evidence over testimony, is needed.

Why it matters

The viral reaction to Shumer's post helps explain the market turmoil: AI is trading on vibes and anecdotes rather than quantifiable data or concrete evidence. This narrative-driven approach has triggered another ChatGPT moment — and soul searching about 'what it all means' for our livelihoods.

The details

Of the 3,678 words in Shumer's post, titled "Something Big Is Happening," none point to quantifiable data or concrete evidence suggesting AI tools will put millions of white-collar professionals out of work any time soon. It is more testimony than evidence, with anecdotes about Shumer leaving his laptop and coming back to find finished code or a friend's law firm replacing junior lawyers.

  • In mid-November 2023 when the Dow fell nearly 400 points?
  • Or the following month, when shares in Oracle Corp. and Corewise Inc. dropped?

The players

Matt Shumer

A tech entrepreneur and investor whose viral post warned that AI would soon decimate professional jobs.

Mario Amodei

Anthropic Chief Executive Officer who predicted AI would wipe out half of all entry-level white-collar jobs in the next one to five years.

Mustafa Suleyman

Microsoft's AI head who recently said that 'most if not all' professional tasks could be automated within 18 months.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.