OPINION

White-Collar Workers Fear AI: Who Will They Turn To?

USAFri Oct 31 2025

AI is making waves, and not just in tech circles. White-collar workers are starting to worry about their jobs. They see AI as a threat, and this fear is growing. Politicians are taking notice. Some are using this anxiety to gain support.

A Shift in Worker Anxiety

In the past, workers worried about automation turned to right-wing populists. But this time, it's different. White-collar workers are looking left. They're worried about AI replacing their jobs. And they're not happy about it.

Politicians Tap into Fear

Politicians like Bernie Sanders and Zack Polanski are tapping into this fear. They're painting a picture of tech billionaires as the enemy. They say these billionaires are using AI to take jobs. And they're warning of massive job losses.

Is the Fear Justified?

Maybe. Big names in tech like Sam Altman and Elon Musk have warned about job losses. They say AI could replace many jobs. And it's not just blue-collar jobs. White-collar jobs are at risk too.

Jobs at Risk

Think about it. AI is already replacing some jobs:

  • Translators
  • Video editors
  • Marketers
  • HR professionals
  • Graphic designers
  • Auditors
  • Coders

These jobs are at risk. And it's not just about entry-level positions. AI is changing the job market.

Beyond AI

But it's not just about AI. Other issues are at play too. Like the Israel-Gaza conflict. And a general anti-capitalist feeling. But AI anxiety is a big part of it. And it's growing.

Governments Stay Quiet

Meanwhile, governments are staying quiet. They're not talking about the risks of AI. They're focusing on the benefits. But the public is worried. And this worry is growing.

Politicians Ignore at Their Own Risk

Politicians who ignore this worry do so at their own risk. Populists are ready to step in. They're ready to use this fear to gain support. And they're not afraid to use it.

questions

    How can we distinguish between legitimate concerns about AI and sensationalized fears that may not be grounded in reality?
    How can governments and policymakers address the legitimate concerns of white-collar workers about AI-driven job displacement while still fostering innovation and economic growth?
    What historical precedents can we look to in order to understand the potential impact of AI on the job market, and how were those transitions managed?

actions