A growing number of tech executives are publicly attributing mass layoffs to AI adoption, raising questions about whether AI is the real cause or a convenient excuse.

Meta Platforms is reportedly planning its largest round of layoffs since 2022, potentially cutting 20% or more of its ~79,000-person workforce as the company redirects billions toward AI infrastructure and data center expansion through 2028.

Silicon Valley AI startups adopt China's 996 work culture requiring 70+ hour weeks as competitive pressure intensifies, with researchers warning of unsustainable human costs including burnout at companies like OpenAI and Anthropic.

Chuck Robbins warns AI will be bigger than the internet but current market is likely a bubble, with some companies failing and jobs eliminated in customer services.