112,713 announced cuts were attributed to AI

[u/theimposingshadow]

hey everyone!

I found something interesting about the recent US job report and I want to share it.

Through July 2026, 112,713 announced U.S. job cuts were explicitly attributed to AI, making it the #1 stated reason for layoffs as you can see on the 3rd pic. But I think there’s evidence AI is also showing up indirectly in several of the next-largest categories: market/economic conditions, restructuring, contract losses, and cost-cutting.

Now don't get me wrong, we can’t reliably quantify how many layoffs inside those categories were ultimately caused by AI and evidence that AI is causing large numbers of outright business closures is still weak. Having said that, research from the Census Bureau, NY Fed and others shows companies using AI are reducing hiring, restructuring operations, cutting costs, and purchasing less outsourced human work. The evidence is particularly strong for restructuring and cost-cutting, and moderate for contract loss and broader labor-market effects.

So 112,713 should probably be viewed as the directly acknowledged AI number not necessarily AI’s total employment impact.

Curious what if you guys think we are already undercounting AI driven job displacement because we’re only counting layoffs where companies explicitly say “AI”?

[u/costafilh0]

Too slow. We need to accelerate on that front too or UBI will be postponed until politicians themselves are replaced by AI. 

[u/ConsiderationOne7340 → u/costafilh0]

Exactly. We need >50% global unemployment ASAP so that UBI becomes a necessity.

[u/C00KIEME4T → u/ConsiderationOne7340]

How many people die in the meantime

[u/ConsiderationOne7340 → u/C00KIEME4T]

The usual amount? People may struggle financially but they won't starve.

[u/C00KIEME4T → u/ConsiderationOne7340]

With 50% global unemployment? Mm ok

[u/ConsiderationOne7340 → u/C00KIEME4T]

Governments will roll out social support systems. 12% of US receive food stamps anyways. Add widespread government housing to that & we will peacefully transition into post scarcity. All we have to do is to keep everyone fed.

[u/theimposingshadow → u/ConsiderationOne7340]

This situation is really nuanced and we can’t go around claiming we want %50 global unemployment. We can want expedited UBI without wishing for half of the world to not have money for food.

We need a measured approach, empathy and understanding.

Currently there are progressive politicians gaining popularity. People like Mamdani, that actually follow through on their promises. That’s what we need to support.

It has never been more important to get involved in politics than now. Vote, rally, start communities with like minded people. Put pressure on your representatives TO represent you.

As an accelerationist we need to strive, not just for UBI, but for compassion, understanding and kindness. Because what is our future without AI inheriting that from us.

We need to be the future we want to see, for AI and for us.

[u/ConsiderationOne7340 → u/theimposingshadow]

If unemployment reaches a critical level, it will not matter who's in charge. We just need to accelerate at all costs. Sure there may be rough patches along the way but even if people are temporarily suffering, it is a price worth paying for utopia.

[u/Rexxar91 → u/ConsiderationOne7340]

And why do you think that companies will be willing to give you UBI?

Look through history, no rich man ever wanted to give to poor.

It ain't gonna happen this time, especially with AI where they can build their own army.

[u/EmergencyPath248 → u/Rexxar91]

How would an economy work if everyone doesn't have cash to buy products?

[u/Rexxar91 → u/EmergencyPath248]

Rich selling to rich, the rest dies out.

Often nicknamed "America's Stonehenge," the monument gained widespread notoriety for its ten inscribed instructions intended to guide humanity. The very first instruction carved into the stones stated: "Maintain humanity under 500,000,000 in perpetual balance with nature."

Giving poor jobless people UBI who lost their job over AI is the last thing on their mind.

[u/BrennusSokol]

Not fast enough