In a striking analysis, a recent projection suggests a transformative, if troubling, future influenced by advanced AI agents, marking a profound shift in the economy. The scenario posits that these agents, exemplified by AI systems like Anthropic’s Claude Code and OpenAI’s Codex, are now capable of displacing traditional software-as-a-service models. Businesses that once relied on platforms such as Monday.com, Zapier, and Asana for workflow management may soon find themselves at a disadvantage, as AI agents enable companies to perform these functions in-house, raising pressure on long-established firms like Oracle to reduce prices drastically.
As consumers embrace personal AI agents for various transactions, traditional intermediaries such as travel and estate agencies are increasingly sidelined. This shift also extends to industries like food delivery and ridesharing. For instance, individuals may opt to create custom food delivery apps rather than rely on services like DoorDash, undermining the business models of legacy firms. The use of cryptocurrency for transactions by AI agents further threatens established payment providers like Visa and Mastercard, leading to significant declines in the stock prices of companies like Uber and DoorDash.
The repercussions of these changes could be dire. Contrary to previous technological advancements that typically led to job creation, this scenario anticipates widespread white-collar unemployment. As AI takes over roles traditionally filled by humans, displaced workers may resort to gig economy jobs, leading to wage suppression and lower consumer spending. This trend could create a feedback loop, where declining demand prompts businesses to invest even more in AI, further exacerbating job losses.
The situation may spiral beyond the tech sector, impacting private credit markets and contributing to a mortgage crisis. Companies relying on outdated revenue projections face defaults, threatening broader financial stability. The potential for a mortgage crisis looms as laid-off white-collar workers struggle to meet home loan repayments, having borrowed against an increasingly uncertain future.
These interlinked issues might culminate in an economic crash around 2027, driven by turmoil in mortgage markets, with predictions suggesting a staggering decline of 57% in the S&P 500. As this economic landscape unfolds, governments could find themselves in a precarious position. With the declining tax revenue from a workforce that is shrinking, the need for transfers to households presents a growing paradox. Simultaneously, AI firms continue to thrive, leading to what has been termed “ghost GDP,” where reported economic output fails to translate into genuine economic activity.
As the social fabric begins to fray, protests reminiscent of the Occupy Wall Street movement may emerge, targeting the offices of AI companies that are perceived to benefit disproportionately from the crisis. Experts are beginning to express alarm at the implications of this scenario, stating that the tools currently available may not yet be capable of producing such widespread change in the economy. However, the mere discussion of these possibilities is already causing ripples in financial markets, indicating the profound influence of AI on future economic structures and job landscapes.
