The Indicator from Planet Money The new language of AI tech workers
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Oct 27, 2025 
In this discussion, Jasmine Sun, an independent writer and tech culture commentator, dives into the unique slang emerging among AI-era tech workers. She highlights the paradox of abundant AI investments alongside job scarcity, revealing how terms like 'high agency'—symbolizing resourcefulness—and 'NPC,' referring to those seen as automatable, reflect deep anxieties. The conversation also touches on the competitive atmosphere fostered by fears of AI-induced inequality, showcasing a complex dialogue around Silicon Valley's evolving lexicon.
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Sauna Scenes Reveal Tech Culture
- Jasmine Sun observed tech workers socializing and talking about AI at a clothing-optional Russian sauna near San Francisco.
- The setting was full of young investors, founders, and AI people, giving her direct exposure to local tech culture.
High Agency Means Hustle Over Conformity
- 'High agency' describes people who take initiative, are resourceful, and creatively bypass roadblocks.
- It signals a cultural value that prizes contrarian hustle over following standard career paths.
NPC Labels Signal Automatable Workers
- 'NPC' (non-player character) labels people seen as automatable, lacking goals or creativity.
- The term frames certain workers as background characters vulnerable to being replaced by code.