For years, experts have warned of an impending job market apocalypse thanks to ultra-intelligent AI systems. Now, a new Stanford University study suggests that these fears are becoming reality for young workers.

The research, “Canaries in the Coal Mine? Six Facts about the Recent Employment Effects of Artificial Intelligence,” reveals that entry-level jobs for those aged 22 to 25 have seen a significant dip. Specifically, employment levels for this age group in the most AI-exposed occupations are now 19% below their peers in fields less affected.

To gather these insights, the researchers analyzed anonymized payroll data from HR management company ADP, cross-referencing it with both established labor market impact measures and a new Anthropic Economic Index that assesses how various occupations use AI tools like Claude daily. The findings indicate that while older workers remain largely unaffected, younger talent is increasingly being replaced by automation.

This shift raises important questions about the future of work and education. As AI continues to evolve, it's clear that adaptability and continuous learning will be key for young professionals entering the job market.