Jacob Zinkula
Feb 7, 2026
Some laid-off workers are questioning whether AI played a role in their job losses.
The Brief
Some laid-off workers are questioning whether AI played a role in their job losses.
Hype around AI — and major corporate investments — has fueled concerns about long-term job security.
While some have concluded AI isn't taking their jobs just yet, others are actively building AI skills.
When Kent Ha was laid off from his digital marketing role at Intel last July, he'd been mentally preparing for the possibility that his job could be cut — in part due to AI.
Prior layoff rounds had left him concerned about his job security. Plus, earlier that year, Intel announced plans to outsource much of his division's work to Accenture, which it said would use AI to enhance its marketing efforts.
"That made it seem even more likely that our group would be hit," said Ha, who's in his 30s and based in Portland, Oregon.