A reality check on the AI jobs hysteria

Current economic data shows AI has not yet caused large-scale disruption to the US labor market, despite widespread fears. BLS statistics show unemployment in AI-exposed occupations is actually lower than in less-exposed ones, and only one in five companies use AI in any business function. The most notable impact is a 16% decline in entry-level jobs for 22-to-25-year-olds in AI-exposed fields like software development, while older workers in the same fields have seen headcount grow. Wages in AI-exposed sectors have risen, suggesting employers still value experience and tacit knowledge that AI can't easily replicate. Economists warn that while mass unemployment isn't evident yet, the transition could still be painful for many workers, and far better data collection is needed to understand and prepare for what's coming.