The initial wave of layoffs due to human obsolescence began in early 2026, and margins expanded, earnings beat, stocks rallied. Record-setting corporate profits were funneled right back into AI compute.
Source
THE 2028 GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE CRISISOriginal Quote
The initial wave of layoffs due to human obsolescence began in early 2026, and they did exactly what layoffs are supposed to. Margins expanded, earnings beat, stocks rallied. Record-setting corporate profits were funneled right back into AI compute.
Outlook
PessimisticWhile margins expand short-term, this represents mass job displacement and the beginning of a negative feedback loop that harms workers and ultimately the broader economy.
The authors frame the entire piece as a scenario exercise rather than a firm prediction, implying moderate rather than high confidence in these specific outcomes.
Potential Data Sources for Validation
Corporate earnings reports, BLS employment data, and capital expenditure filings showing simultaneous headcount reductions and increased AI/compute spending in 2026.
About the Author
Citrini is the pseudonymous founder of Citrinitas Capital Management Inc. and the author of Citrini Research, a top finance Substack specializing in thematic equity investing and global macro trading, known for early calls on AI and GLP-1 investments.
Across 17 tracked claims, James van Geelen skews pessimistic.