Anthropic Engineer Warns AI Will Displace Most Internet-Based Jobs, Predicts a 'Painful' Transition

US Economy and AI Revolution

The US is on the cusp of an AI revolution, with a top Anthropic engineer predicting a new generation of artificial intelligence agents will take over nearly every internet-based job in the country. Boris Cherny, creator of Claude Code at Anthropic, recently shared his insights on Lenny's Podcast.

Key Findings

• AI systems like those sold by Anthropic will be able to operate computers, changing the job landscape in the US.
• AI agents will take over multiple roles, altering responsibilities for software engineers, product managers, designers, and other knowledge workers.
• AI systems can perform tasks across workplace computer tools, including running commands, analyzing documents, messaging colleagues, and completing tasks across apps.

Read also: Treasury Yields Experience Largest Increase in Two Weeks Following Release of Labor Market Data

Impact on the Job Market

The imminent disruption will be painful for many people, and Boris Cherny warned that the broader impact of this remains uncertain. However, he advised workers to experiment with AI tools and learn how they function, saying "don't be scared of them."

Recent Developments

• Anthropic launched its Claude Opus 4.6 model, an AI coding agent that created jitters in the stock market and caused a sharp plunge in tech stocks.
• The new AI can work on tasks for longer and more reliably, while showing gains related to coding and finance.

Read also: US-Iran Tensions Spark Uptick in Oil Prices Amid Global Market Decline

Timeline

• 2026: Boris Cherny predicts that the title of software engineer will start to "go away" by this year.