Understanding the trend of silent shooting in the AI ​​era

If artificial intelligence continues to evolve and integrate across industries, a new workforce trend has emerged: silent shooting. This phenomenon is receiving increasing attention as employees express their concerns about it job security in an increasingly automated world.

What is silent shooting?

Silent shooting is essentially the opposite of silent stopping, a trend that gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic. While quiet quitting involves employees doing the bare minimum to avoid dismissal, silent quitting occurs when employers deliberately make working conditions intolerable in the hope that employees will choose to leave voluntarily. This strategy is often used by companies that want to automate positions without the costs associated with severance payments.

The role of AI in silent shooting

Experts suggest that the rise of AI is a major factor in the silent shooting trend. George Kailas, CEO of Prospero.Ai, points out that some tech companies are creating inhospitable work environments to drive employees away. For example, Amazon’s push for a five-day work week in the office was met with dissatisfaction from a majority of its workforce, with 90% expressing dissatisfaction and 73% considering resignation. This shift away from flexible work arrangements can be a tactic to reduce employee retention while paving the way for automation.

Employment trends

Recent studies from Live Data Technologies indicate that employment growth at large technology companies has been inconsistent. In 2022, the workforce increased by 5%, only to decline again shortly afterwards. This pattern repeated itself in early 2024, highlighting the volatility in hiring practices within the technology sector. While AI is often blamed for these fluctuations, some experts argue that the technology is not as capable of replacing jobs as many fear.

Expert opinions on the impact of AI

Daron Acemoglu, a professor and economist at MIT, says that only about 5% of jobs are at risk of being replaced by AI in the next decade. He emphasizes that the technology is not yet reliable enough to handle the complexity of most jobs. This perspective suggests that while AI can influence labor markets, it is not the only factor driving trends like silent shooting.

Unemployment and employee engagement

Kailas reports that nearly 18% of people who previously worked in the big tech sector are currently unemployed, attributing this to the booming AI sector amid a stagnant job market. Additionally, a Gallup survey revealed a 5% decline in engagement among younger employees, particularly Gen Z and young millennials. Richard Wahlquist, CEO of the American Staffing Association, notes that nearly 30% of employees are not actively engaged in their jobs, which may contribute to the silent layoff trend.

Navigating the new employment landscape

The rise of silent shooting highlights the challenges workers face in the modern workforce, especially as AI continues to reshape industries. As companies navigate this new landscape, it is critical that employees remain informed and proactive about their job security and engagement. Understanding these trends can empower employees to make informed career decisions in an ever-evolving job market.