Ignoring AI in IT: Risk of dismissal triples — shocking data from a new study
The labor market in the technology sector is experiencing a tectonic shift. According to fresh data, specialists who refuse or very rarely use artificial intelligence (AI) tools are exposing themselves to a risk of layoff that is three times higher than that of their more tech-savvy colleagues. This is not just a statistic—it is a clear signal of a new reality where adaptability becomes a key survival factor.
The study, which covered a wide range of technical workers, revealed a frightening correlation. Among those who lost their jobs, the share of "almost never used AI" (less than once a month or never) was 62%. For comparison, among those who kept their positions, this figure was 50%. Moreover, 28% of employed specialists actively and frequently use AI, while among the laid off, only 22% do so.
Tech sector under fire: why is refusing AI deadly dangerous?
This trend is particularly pronounced within the IT industry itself, which already leads in layoff rates (13% of respondents reported layoffs, compared to 6% on average across the market). Within this group, the risk for "AI-ignorers" increases threefold compared to those who have integrated neural networks into their daily workflow. Even after accounting for factors such as age, education, and industry, this pattern remains statistically significant.
Interestingly, only 1% of respondents directly named AI as the main reason for their layoff, although 21% of workers reported layoffs in early 2026. This suggests that AI acts not so much as a direct cause, but as a marker of an employee's readiness for change. Companies are not getting rid of "people replaced by AI," but of those who do not demonstrate flexibility and do not use available tools to improve efficiency.
My analysis: We are witnessing a classic example of an "arms race" in the labor market. AI is not just automating tasks—it is changing the profile of a sought-after employee. Employers are beginning to perceive those who do not integrate AI into their tool stack as less productive and, critically, less promising. The coming quarters will show whether this division into a "caste of AI users" and "analog outsiders" becomes even deeper. My advice is unequivocal: if you are still not using AI in your work, you are already falling behind. This is not a question of the future—it is a question of the present.