Employers prioritize AI to discipline the workforce and replace workers who resist corporate demands rather than for technical productivity gains.

“AI doesn't need to do the programmer's job. It just needs to allow them to discipline the labor force so that you don't get Google walkouts saying we're not going to make tech for drones, so that you don't get mouthy workers who demand higher wages, who hop from employer to employer.”

Alex Kantrowitz argues that companies led by people with imagination will use AI to expand their capabilities rather than relying on layoffs to cut costs.

“if you have no imagination, you'll just lay off and take profit, but if you do have imagination, you're going to do more with these tools.”