AI’s Impact on Entry-Level White-Collar Jobs: Warning from Anthropic CEO and Industry Insights

On May 29, 2025, Dario Amodei, CEO of artificial intelligence company Anthropic, issued a significant warning: within the next five years, artificial intelligence (AI) technology could replace up to 50% of entry-level white-collar jobs. This statement quickly attracted widespread attention across the industry and society. As a journalist from the Science and Technology Daily, I conducted expert interviews and research to find that the impact of AI on the job market is gradually becoming apparent, but this transformation is far more complex than mere “replacement.”

Entry-Level White-Collar Jobs: Who Is Most Vulnerable to AI Replacement?

Undoubtedly, roles involving repetitive tasks and clearly defined rules are the most vulnerable. Jobs such as data entry, basic document review, and financial accounting are increasingly automated by AI, which can perform these tasks faster, more accurately, and around the clock, significantly boosting efficiency.

In addition, entry-level customer service roles are being largely taken over by intelligent chatbots. Simple inquiries and order tracking are now routinely handled by AI customer service systems. Furthermore, basic programming tasks and simple IT support issues are increasingly assisted by AI tools.

These positions typically involve standardized processes with little need for complex judgment or creativity, making them ideal candidates for AI automation.

Which Jobs Are Safer? Complexity and Creativity Still Require Humans

However, not all white-collar jobs are easily replaceable by AI. Positions requiring high levels of judgment, complex communication skills, and innovative thinking still rely heavily on human involvement in the near term.

Senior management’s strategic decision-making, creative and artistic design roles, highly specialized fields like healthcare and law, as well as personalized education, cannot be fully replaced by AI, though it can assist in these areas.

Experts note, “AI is a tool, not a replacement. Jobs that truly create value always need human intelligence and emotional engagement.”

AI “Killer” Jobs Bring New Opportunities and Emerging Careers

While some jobs face disruption, AI development also creates many new roles and industries. For example, AI research engineers and data scientists have become highly sought-after professionals. New careers such as AI product managers, algorithm ethics specialists, and data privacy officers are emerging, showcasing the infinite possibilities brought by industrial upgrading.

Traditional industries are also embracing transformation opportunities through AI. Manufacturing adopts smart factories for automation, healthcare integrates AI-assisted diagnostics, and the financial sector implements intelligent risk control systems. The structure of jobs across these fields is quietly reshaping.

Facing the Change: How Should Individuals and Society Respond?

Experts recommend the following responses to the career transformation pressures brought by AI:

• Individuals should actively learn new skills, especially cross-disciplinary capabilities related to AI collaboration;

• Companies need to emphasize employee training and role adjustments to build a “human-AI collaboration” work model;

• Governments should accelerate vocational education reform and improve social security systems to support workers during transitions.

“The future of work will not disappear but continuously evolve. Those who adapt quickly will seize the opportunities,” said a human resources expert.

The warning from Anthropic’s CEO is thought-provoking: AI is changing the workplace ecosystem at an unprecedented pace. It brings challenges but also creates new opportunities. The key lies in how we adjust our mindset and strategies to actively embrace this technological wave.

Science and Technology Daily will continue to closely monitor the profound impacts of AI on society and the economy, providing frontline reports and in-depth analysis to help the public respond rationally to this era of transformation.