Layoffs at Meta, LinkedIn fuel anxiety over AI and job security
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Recent layoffs at Meta and LinkedIn have triggered growing anxiety among employees, many of whom say uncertainty over job security is affecting their mental health and future plans.
Meta laid off around 8,000 employees this week, while LinkedIn cut about 600 jobs. Employees described an atmosphere of fear and distrust as companies continue restructuring operations around artificial intelligence.
A longtime Meta employee said many workers now begin their day checking emails to see if they still have jobs before deciding whether to commute to the office. Employees also said internal group chats are filled with dark humour and jokes about AI replacing human workers.
Concerns have also grown around Meta’s internal Model Capability Initiative, which reportedly tracks employee computer usage to improve AI systems. Some workers claim they are effectively helping train technology that could eventually replace them.
Mental health experts said prolonged uncertainty can have severe psychological effects. Clinical psychologist Sajid Kazmi said fear of job loss can trigger anxiety, depression, and identity crises, particularly among primary earners.
Ajayita said chronic uncertainty increases stress levels, disrupts sleep, and impairs decision-making.
Industry experts said the tech sector is undergoing a structural shift toward AI-focused operations. Cybersecurity researcher Shubham Bhamare said Meta’s focus has increasingly shifted toward AI, with even cybersecurity processes becoming more automated.
LinkedIn employees are facing similar concerns despite the company reporting double-digit revenue growth. Reports indicate the latest cuts could affect nearly 5 per cent of LinkedIn’s global workforce.
Employees across Silicon Valley say the long-held belief that Big Tech jobs guaranteed stability and security is fading as companies reorganise for an AI-driven future.
