Marketplace Tech Bytes: Week in Review - Is AI to blame for this week's wave of layoffs?
8 snips
Oct 31, 2025 Natasha Mascarenhas, a technology and startups reporter at The Information, dives into the latest wave of layoffs, sparking debate on AI's role in this trend. She highlights that layoffs are often complex and not solely due to AI integration. Workers, especially new grads, should embrace AI tools to stay competitive. Natasha also discusses Character.AI's decision to ban minors for safety reasons, and NVIDIA's impressive rise to a $5 trillion valuation, exploring the implications for future technology investments.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
AI As A Convenient Excuse
- Layoffs blamed on AI often reflect a mix of overhiring, marketing, and gradual AI integration rather than immediate replacement.
- Natasha Mascarenhas says integrating AI is hard and companies use it as convenient cover for cuts.
Graduates Face Skills Uncertainty
- Workers fear not just job loss but that their entire trained skillset may lose value as AI shifts work composition.
- Natasha notes new grads and corporate workers worry that resumes may no longer match employer needs.
Demonstrate AI Fluency
- Become fluent in new AI tools to demonstrate adaptability during hiring and interviews.
- Natasha Mascarenhas recommends showing willingness to learn AI as a practical way to remain employable.