Senate Report Says AI Will Take 97M US Jobs in the Next 10 Years, But Those Numbers Come from ChatGPT
John: Hey everyone, welcome back to the blog! Today, we’re diving into a hot topic that’s been buzzing all over the news: a recent Senate report warning that AI could wipe out up to 97 million jobs in the US over the next decade. It’s led by Senator Bernie Sanders, and it’s got people talking about everything from automation’s dark side to potential fixes like a “robot tax.” But here’s the twist—the numbers in the report? They reportedly come straight from ChatGPT. Lila, as our resident curious beginner, what do you make of this?
Lila: Wow, John, that sounds alarming! 97 million jobs? That’s a huge number. Can you break down what the report actually says and why ChatGPT is involved? I mean, isn’t a Senate report supposed to be super official?
John: Totally fair question, Lila. Let’s start with the basics. The report comes from the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, where Bernie Sanders is the ranking member. It highlights how AI and automation might displace millions of workers, potentially enriching tech billionaires while leaving everyday folks in the dust. And if you’re thinking about how automation tools fit into this bigger picture, our deep-dive on Make.com covers features, pricing, and use cases in plain English—worth a look to see how these tools could actually help rather than harm: Make.com (formerly Integromat) — Features, Pricing, Reviews, Use Cases.
The Origins of the Report and Its Key Claims
John: So, according to sources like Yahoo News and NewsNation, the report estimates that AI could eliminate nearly 100 million US jobs by 2035. But the specific figure of 97 million? That seems to stem from queries run through ChatGPT, as detailed in a piece from The Register. They point out that the committee used the AI model to generate projections on job losses across various sectors. It’s a clever way to model scenarios, but it raises eyebrows because ChatGPT isn’t a crystal ball—it’s trained on existing data and can sometimes spit out estimates that are more speculative than rock-solid.
Lila: Okay, using ChatGPT for a government report? That feels a bit casual. What kinds of jobs are they saying could disappear?
John: Great point. The report, echoed in outlets like Fox Business and the Baltimore Sun, identifies high-risk sectors. Think fast food, where up to 89% of jobs might be automated; accounting at 64%; truck driving at 47%; nursing at 40%; and even teaching assistants at 65%. It’s not just blue-collar work—white-collar roles are in the crosshairs too. Sanders argues this isn’t about tech hating jobs; it’s about ensuring AI benefits workers, not just corporations.
Why ChatGPT as a Source? Digging into the Methodology
Lila: If they’re using ChatGPT, how reliable is that? Isn’t AI prone to making stuff up sometimes?
John: Exactly, Lila—that’s the crux of the skepticism. The Register article explains that the report’s staff prompted ChatGPT with questions like “What percentage of jobs in [sector] could be automated?” and compiled the responses. It’s based on patterns from vast datasets, but as we’ve seen in trending X discussions (from verified accounts like @BernieSanders and tech analysts), this method isn’t peer-reviewed science. It’s more like a quick simulation to illustrate potential risks. Official sources, including Sanders’ own press releases, emphasize that these are estimates to spark debate, not definitive predictions. Still, it’s grounded in real studies from places like McKinsey and Goldman Sachs, which have similar warnings about AI’s job impact.
Lila: So, it’s like using a calculator for big-picture math, but not trusting it for your taxes. What are people saying on X about this?
John: Spot on analogy! On X, trends like #AIJobLoss and #RobotTax are blowing up. Verified users, including economists from think tanks like the Brookings Institution, are debating it—some call it alarmist, others praise Sanders for highlighting inequality. For instance, a thread from @SenSanders himself links to the report, stressing that without action, AI could widen the wealth gap.
Potential Impacts and Challenges for Workers
John: Now, let’s talk challenges. The report warns of massive displacement in critical sectors, potentially leading to higher unemployment and economic inequality. Imagine truck drivers replaced by self-driving fleets or nurses aided (or edged out) by AI diagnostics. It’s not all doom—AI could create new jobs in tech maintenance or data ethics—but the transition might be rough, especially for lower-wage workers.
Lila: That sounds scary for a lot of people. Are there any real-world examples happening right now?
John: Absolutely. Look at companies like Amazon using AI for warehouse automation, or fast-food chains testing robotic kitchens, as reported by outlets like Benzinga. On the flip side, challenges include retraining workers—how do you skill up millions quickly? There’s also the ethical side: ensuring AI doesn’t amplify biases in hiring or job allocation.
Proposed Solutions and Future Potential
Lila: If jobs are at risk, what does the report suggest we do? A “robot tax” sounds intriguing—what’s that?
John: Sanders pushes for policies like a tax on companies that automate jobs, using the funds for worker retraining. He also advocates a four-day workweek to spread employment around. From WebProNews and RT.com coverage, it’s about making AI work for everyone. Looking ahead, the future potential is exciting—AI could boost productivity, leading to shorter hours and better work-life balance if regulated right.
Lila: How can everyday people prepare? Any tools to learn about AI without getting overwhelmed?
John: Preparation starts with upskilling. Tools like AI-powered platforms can help create content efficiently, keeping you competitive. If creating documents or slides feels overwhelming, this step-by-step guide to Gamma shows how you can generate presentations, documents, and even websites in just minutes: Gamma — Create Presentations, Documents & Websites in Minutes. It’s a great way to dip your toes into AI without coding.
Common Questions and Myths
John: Let’s tackle some FAQs in a quick list, based on what’s trending:
- Is 97 million a realistic number? It’s a high-end estimate from ChatGPT, but reports from McKinsey suggest 45% of work activities could be automated, affecting millions.
- Will AI create more jobs than it destroys? Possibly—historical tech shifts like the internet did, per Goldman Sachs analyses.
- What’s the robot tax? A levy on automation to fund social programs, discussed in Sanders’ report and echoed on X by @BernieSanders.
- Are all sectors equally at risk? No—creative fields like art or complex problem-solving might be safer, per Brookings insights.
Lila: Thanks for that list, John—it clears up a lot!
John: Wrapping up, this report is a wake-up call: AI’s power is real, but so is our ability to shape it. If you’re exploring automation, check out that Make.com guide again for practical tips. In reflection, while the 97 million figure grabs headlines, it’s a reminder to focus on equitable tech adoption—let’s build a future where AI lifts us all, not just a few.
Lila: My takeaway? Don’t fear AI—learn about it! This chat makes me optimistic that with smart policies, we can turn challenges into opportunities.
This article was created based on publicly available, verified sources. References:
- Senate Report: AI Could Wipe Out 100 Million U.S. Jobs In A Decade
- AI, automation could destroy nearly 100M jobs: Senate report
- Senate report says AI will take 97M US jobs in the next 10 years, but those numbers come from ChatGPT
- Sanders Warns AI May Cut 97M US Jobs, Pushes Robot Tax and 4-Day Week
- Nearly 100 million US jobs could be displaced by AI within decade