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A Microsoft An executive has encountered criticism for proposing that newly unemployed workers turn to artificial intelligence as a way to deal with job loss.
The company cut approximately 9,000 positions were filled last week, with numerous roles within its game development department, as the company keeps redirecting its efforts and allocating billions of dollars towards artificial intelligence.
Matt Turnbull, who serves as an executive producer within Xbox Game Studios Publishing, shared artificial intelligence-created messages on LinkedIn to assist employees who have been let go with job transition guidance, resume creation, and also provide psychological assistance.
The post, which has since been deleted, sparked swift criticism across social media where users called him 'out of touch' and 'tone-deaf.'
"These are indeed difficult periods," Turnbull stated, urging affected workers to utilize chatbots to cope with imposter syndrome and view their job loss from a more optimistic perspective.
His communication contained recommendations for utilizing AI To create 30-day career exploration strategies and customize resumes for various sectors.
The comments were made only a few days ago Microsoft closed down multiple prominent studios including Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks, after workforce reductions at Xbox, Activision Blizzard, and Bethesda.
Although Microsoft has allocated approximately $80 billion for enhancing its artificial intelligence systems, detractors argue that the firm's swift reduction of human workers underscores an increasing gap between its focus on automation and how it manages its workforce.
"I am aware that these kinds of tools provoke intense reactions from individuals, yet I would fail in my duty if I didn’t strive to provide the most effective guidance possible given the situation," Turnbull wrote.
The Daily Mail contacted Turnbull for input, but has not received a reply so far.
The discussion around his previously removed LinkedIn entry brought attention to an ongoing dialogue regarding artificial intelligence's impact in professional settings.
Turnbull highlighted that AI cannot substitute for the real-world experiences of employees, yet proposed that it might assist them in overcoming obstacles more quickly, calmly, and with greater insight during periods of reduced mental capacity.
"I am aware that such tools provoke intense reactions among individuals, yet I would fail in my duty if I didn’t strive to provide the most effective guidance possible given the situation," he said.
Nevertheless, specialists have pointed out that his statements showed little compassion, highlighting the contradiction in suggesting AI as a way to cope, considering that Microsoft leads in AI advancement, which could replace human employees.
There was an instant reaction, as numerous ex-Microsoft staff and experts in the field criticized Turnbull's remarks for being thoughtless.
Eric Smith, a producer from Zenimax Online who lost his job this week, remarked: "Oh my goodness, check the situation, man."
Paul Murphy, a game developer, stated: "I know you're attempting to assist, but what the heck. You have employed these people before."
"Give them at least the dignity they deserve and believe they can craft their own resumes," he further remarked.
The contradiction of the scenario grew sharper when taking into account Microsoft's position as a pioneer in artificial intelligence alongside its responsibility for significant employee cuts.
The organization has invested heavily in artificial intelligence technologies such as Copilot and ChatGPT, which aim to assist employees with activities including drafting texts, programming, and tackling challenges.
Nevertheless, the increasing adoption of such technologies in offices sparks worries regarding job losses and the moral issues involved in substituting human tasks with automated systems.
With millions of individuals increasingly relying on artificial intelligence for both personal and work-related assistance, the connection between these technologies and employment stability grows more intricate.
AI platforms such as ChatGPT and Google's Gemini offer saw significant expansion, particularly in the United States, where millions of individuals are currently utilizing these technologies.
ChatGPT boasts more than 100 million active monthly users worldwide, many of whom are located in the United States.
The user count in the United States has surged dramatically, as the tool is now utilized across various purposes such as professional guidance, CV help, and also psychological well-being aid.
By 2024, it was projected that around 40% of Americans had utilized at least one type of artificial intelligence, with platforms such as ChatGPT experiencing significant popularity among professionals aiming to boost efficiency or manage career changes.
The increasing use of artificial intelligence tools is taking place during a period when leading technology firms, such as Microsoft, Meta, and Google are cutting down thousands of workers.
Microsoft has eliminated more than 25,000 jobs across various industries between 2023 and 2025, with numerous roles currently being affected. autonomous or enhanced through artificial intelligence tools .
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