Automation in Media

Business Insider’s AI Gamble: 21% Layoffs and a Future of Bot-Written Articles

Business Insider’s recent announcement of going “all-in” on AI, coupled with a 21% staff reduction, has sparked considerable discussion. The move isn’t entirely surprising, given the perception that the publication’s content already leaned heavily on low-effort articles; many believe AI could easily replicate, if not improve upon, this existing quality.

This decision, however, raises concerns about short-sightedness. The history of similar corporate strategies suggests a potential cycle of layoffs followed by re-hiring, as companies grapple with the unexpected complexities of replacing human expertise with AI. The sheer volume of work involved in transitioning to AI-driven content creation may necessitate more staff, rather than fewer, in the short term.… Continue reading