Amazon AWS CEO and Block founder debate AI's impact on white‑collar employment

Block CEO Jack Dorsey announced a plan to cut about 4,000 jobs while expanding the company's use of artificial intelligence, prompting criticism that executives are favoring machines over workers. Dorsey and other tech leaders argue that AI improves productivity and that executives have a duty to adopt it to keep companies competitive.

Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman countered apocalyptic forecasts of mass white‑collar job loss, saying, “If you believe that half of jobs get wiped out, the whole economy collapses on itself.” He maintains that AI will reshape, not eliminate, many entry‑level roles and that new positions will emerge as the economy adapts. Amazon plans to hire 11,000 interns and recent graduates this year and now employs more software developers than two years ago, even as AI tools automate routine tasks.

Both executives emphasize that adaptability, curiosity, and the ability to learn will become more valuable than specific technical skills as AI changes the nature of work.