The recent suggestion by Xbox executive Matt Turnbull to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) for emotional support among laid-off employees has sparked considerable debate. In a now-deleted LinkedIn post, Turnbull advocated for the use of AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT and Copilot, to help individuals navigate the emotional and cognitive burdens associated with job loss. He proposed that these tools could assist in various aspects of job searching, including resume creation and career planning. However, this recommendation was met with significant backlash from critics who perceived it as insensitive given the context of mass layoffs at Microsoft.
In a now-deleted LinkedIn post captured by Aftermath, Xbox Game Studios’ Matt Turnbull said that he would be “remiss in not trying to offer the best advice I can under the circumstances.” The circumstances here being a slew of game cancellations, services being shuttered, studio closures, and job cuts across key Xbox divisions as Microsoft lays off as many as 9,100 employees across the company.
Turnbull acknowledged that people have some “strong feelings” about AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot, but suggested that anybody who’s feeling “overwhelmed” could use them to get advice about creating resumes, career planning, and applying for new roles.
The latest entrant to the "Let them eat cake" hall of fame comes courtesy of Matt Turnbull, Executive Producer at Xbox Games Studio Publishing who, in a since-deleted LinkedIn post (shared here by Necrosoft's Brandon Sheffield), suggested that anyone facing anxiety about their livelihoods crumbling under them use AI to help.
n the post, Turnbull expressed sympathy for those affected by the layoffs and shared his belief that AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Copilot, could help them cope with the situation.
Turnbull shared he has been experimenting with these tools for a while and felt it was important to offer advice on how AI might help reduce the emotional and cognitive load associated with job loss.
"These are really challenging times, and if you’re navigating a layoff or even quietly preparing for one, you’re not alone and you don’t have to go it alone," Turnbull said.
Just last week, Business Insider reported on another executive telling employees that using Copilot is "no longer optional" in an internal memo. One developer at Halo Studios, which was affected by the layoffs, told Engadget's Jessica Conditt that they felt Xbox leadership was looking to "replace as many jobs as they can with AI agents."
While Turnbull's suggestion aims to empower individuals facing unemployment, it has been met with criticism for being tone-deaf. Critics argue that advocating for AI support amidst significant layoffs reflects a lack of awareness regarding the nuanced human emotions involved in job loss . Furthermore, the simultaneous promotion of AI technologies by Microsoft highlights a potential conflict between technological advancement and genuine empathy for affected employees .
In conclusion, while AI may offer practical solutions to logistical challenges faced by laid-off workers, its role in emotional support remains contentious. The implications of such recommendations underscore the need for a balanced approach that considers both technological benefits and human emotional needs in times of crisis.
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