Anthropic’s head of economics answers our questions about AI and the job market

In this episode of Make Me Smart, host Kimberly Adams speaks with Peter McCrory, Anthropic's Head of Economics, about the real-world impact of AI on the labor market. McCrory shares findings from Anthropic’s latest research, which shows no significant rise in unemployment among workers most exposed to AI tools like Claude—yet—despite widespread fears of mass job displacement. He draws parallels between AI’s economic impact and past transformative technologies like the internet and globalization, suggesting AI’s effects will unfold gradually rather than cause sudden, pandemic-level job losses. McCrory explains how AI exposure is measured based on task automation potential and actual workplace usage, with high-risk roles including technical writers and data entry workers. He also highlights geographic disparities in AI adoption, noting that while high-income countries lead in usage, the low infrastructure barrier of smartphones may accelerate global access. The discussion touches on concerns about younger workers facing reduced hiring rates in AI-exposed roles, and the shared responsibility of companies, governments, and individuals in managing workforce transitions. McCrory emphasizes that policy and societal choices will shape AI’s economic outcomes as much as the technology itself.