Ignoring AI in IT: Risk of dismissal triples
The labor market in the technology sector is undergoing fundamental changes, and a new large-scale study clearly demonstrates that adapting to artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming not just an advantage, but a critical factor for a specialist's survival.
According to the data obtained, technical employees who use AI tools less than once a month face a risk of dismissal three times higher compared to those who use the technology at least monthly. This correlation holds even when accounting for age, education, experience, and specific industry.
Numbers that speak for themselves
The survey results show a clear divide: among laid-off specialists, 62% admitted that they either did not use AI at all or used it no more than once a year. For comparison, among those who kept their jobs, the share of such "infrequent users" is 50%. Even more telling is the distribution of "active users": 28% of employed specialists frequently use AI, while among those who lost their jobs, this figure is only 22%. The gap is statistically significant and cannot be attributed to chance.
Why the tech sector is at particular risk
The technology industry itself historically shows a higher rate of layoffs: 13% of its total workforce have been laid off, compared to an average of 6% across the market. However, within this already vulnerable group, rejecting AI becomes an additional and extremely powerful risk factor. Employees who have not integrated neural networks into their daily routine are hit first.
Notably, only 1% of respondents directly named AI as the main reason for their dismissal. However, in my opinion, this is just the tip of the iceberg. AI acts not so much as a direct cause, but as a marker—it clearly identifies those who are not ready for rapid changes and do not strive to improve their efficiency.
My professional opinion: The cryptocurrency and blockchain market, where speed of reaction and automation are paramount, has long felt this trend. For an analyst, trader, or developer in our field, proficiency in AI tools is not a matter of choice, but a core competency. Those who continue to ignore this reality risk not just falling behind competitors, but completely dropping out of the profession in the coming quarters.