OpenAI Cofounder Deletes Controversial Analysis of Which Jobs Are Getting Steam Engined by AI
TL;DR
An OpenAI cofounder posted an analysis identifying which jobs are being displaced by AI – using the steam engine as a historical analogy for the disruption.
Key Points
- The post was deleted shortly after publication, suggesting significant internal or public backlash.
- The analysis reportedly named specific job categories considered either at high risk or relatively safe from AI displacement.
- The deletion itself generated more attention than the original post likely would have.
Nauti's Take
The deletion is the actual story here. A factual job analysis from an industry insider would normally be useful – but it becomes a problem the moment it gets more specific than the usual marketing narratives about 'augmentation' and 'new opportunities'.
OpenAI makes billions building automation tools, and when a cofounder starts naming names, things get uncomfortable fast. This isn't conspiracy – it's real-time PR management, and it should give pause to anyone who still believes the AI industry communicates transparently about the societal consequences of its products.