Are Companies Really Doing Layoffs "For AI"?

Companies are increasingly citing AI as the reason for layoffs, as some tasks become faster or partially automatable with LLMs and AI tools.

The article says AI is sometimes a real factor in reducing headcount, especially in knowledge work, software engineering, customer support, and data analysis.

But AI also serves as a convenient explanation for cuts driven by over-hiring, revenue pressure, and broader restructuring.

Firms like Amazon, Atlassian, Meta, and Block are using the AI narrative even when the underlying causes are more mixed.