A new Stanford study shows AI is slowing job prospects for entry-level workers.
Using ADP payroll data, researchers found employment for workers aged 22–25 in AI-impacted roles, like software development and customer support, dropped 16% since late 2022.
Stanford economist Erik Brynjolfsson says AI’s impact is “fast and broad,” similar to remote work shifts during COVID-19.
Older workers remain largely unaffected, as AI struggles with hands-on experience and tacit knowledge.
The study warns that if entry-level hiring continues to fall, industries may struggle to develop future experienced workers. AI’s effect depends on whether companies use it to augment or replace humans.
Meanwhile, Google has cut more than a third of its managers overseeing small teams, aiming to reduce bureaucracy and boost efficiency.
The company now has 35% fewer managers with smaller teams than last year. Many affected managers stayed on as individual contributors.