Job security is a pressing concern as mass layoffs continue across major companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and General Motors. Despite a slight uptick in hiring reported by the U.S. Labor Department, the overall job market remains unstable, with a staggering 1.28 million fewer hires in 2025 compared to the previous year. The rise of advanced artificial intelligence technologies, particularly OpenAI’s GPT-5.3 Codex and Anthropic’s Claude Opus 4.6, has intensified fears among workers that their roles could soon be rendered obsolete.
In response to growing concerns about the future of work, Johns Hopkins University will co-host a forum titled “Will AI Make Work Obsolete?” on February 25, 2025, at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C. The event will feature a debate between prominent figures, including former presidential candidate Andrew Yang and Nobel Prize-winning economist Simon Johnson, who argue that AI will indeed render many jobs obsolete. On the opposing side, Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes and Rumman Chowdhury, founder and CEO of Humane Intelligence, will present their case that AI will not replace human workers.
The forum is part of the Hopkins Forum series, a collaborative effort with Open to Debate and the SNF Agora Institute. It aims to foster discussions on critical societal issues, emphasizing the importance of free speech and debate.
Ahead of the forum, the Hub spoke with two experts from the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, Ritu Agarwal and Richard Smith, who have dedicated years to studying the impact of technological advancements on the workforce. Their insights delve into the complexities of AI’s influence on job markets and employee well-being.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Job Market
Professor Agarwal emphasizes that technological advancements have historically altered the way we work. From the telephone to the internet, humans have adapted to changes without losing their roles. She notes, “I’ve never seen a technology as revolutionary as AI. It’s significantly changing and will continue to change how we work, but that doesn’t mean humans will no longer be needed.”
Agarwal cautions against attributing job losses solely to AI, suggesting that various economic factors contribute to employment trends. Companies often cut jobs for multiple reasons, including pressures from tariffs and shareholder expectations. “The cause and effect aren’t clearly established,” she states, urging for thorough analysis before drawing conclusions.
Professor Smith adds a different perspective, noting the rising challenges younger workers face in the job market. He highlights a concerning trend where employees aged 22 to 25 in AI-affected sectors, such as manufacturing and finance, are experiencing increasing unemployment rates. He remarks, “Younger workers are experiencing less well-being on the job. They’re less engaged and fulfilled.”
This demographic shift raises questions about how AI impacts job security for younger versus older workers. Historically, younger employees have embraced new technologies, yet the current landscape demands experienced individuals who can effectively manage AI tools.
AI as an Augmentative Force in the Workplace
Both experts agree that while some roles may be replaced by AI, particularly routine tasks, the technology should be viewed as an augmentative force rather than a complete replacement for human workers. Smith observes that AI’s capabilities require human judgment for effective implementation. “We’re still at the stage of AI development where we rely on human judgment—a human filter—to ensure we’re on the right track,” he explains.
Agarwal supports this view, stating that AI will change job requirements rather than eliminate them altogether. “We need software engineers with different kinds of skills,” she asserts. For instance, while AI may handle coding tasks, human oversight is essential for quality control and compliance.
The discussion also touches on the evolving nature of teamwork in an AI-driven work environment. “You might envision a team made up of one or two individuals and four or five AI agents,” Agarwal suggests. This shift necessitates a reevaluation of team dynamics and task delegation.
As AI continues to evolve, the imperative for reskilling and upskilling becomes increasingly critical. “AI won’t take your job, but somebody who knows AI will take your job,” Smith warns. Both experts stress the importance of developing AI literacy to prepare the workforce for the future.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding AI’s impact on employment is far from settled. As organizations adapt to technological advancements, understanding and embracing AI will be essential for future job security and workforce well-being. The upcoming forum at Johns Hopkins University represents a vital opportunity for dialogue on these pressing issues, as society navigates the challenges and prospects of an AI-enhanced work environment.
