Anthropic expert predicts many tech jobs could disappear by 2026

A leading voice in artificial intelligence has warned that advancements in computer-based work are poised to dramatically reshape nearly every professional role, sparking intense debates over job security and economic stability. Speaking on a recent podcast, Boris Cherny, Anthropic’s lead engineer, emphasized the impending expansion of AI into previously untouched sectors, including software engineering, product management, and design. According to Cherny, no digital role will remain unaffected as advanced AI agents like Claude Code—able to perform complex tasks such as building websites and executing multi-step technical processes—have already begun transforming how work is done.

Cherny’s predictions mirror the rapid growth in productivity since Claude Code was introduced by Anthropic. The shift from traditional chatbots to these more capable agents has accelerated, with software engineers potentially facing an even steeper transformation this year. Instead of directly coding or managing projects, they could transition into overseeing AI systems that autonomously develop and test applications.

While the warning is unsettling, Cherny advises professionals not to fear the impending change but instead to embrace it. He advocates learning how these AI tools function to integrate them more effectively into their workflows. Cherny suggests many individuals are just now realizing the capabilities of agentic AI, highlighting a growing understanding that integrates these advancements into everyday professional practices.

This sentiment echoes broader concerns within the tech community and among policymakers, who have noted that AI is already replacing young professionals in entry-level software and customer service roles. According to Oxford Economics, as much as 20% of the US workforce could be disrupted by automation over the next few decades. Such predictions underscore the urgency behind Cherny’s cautionary message: change is inevitable, and how swiftly it unfolds will determine which workers are better prepared for this new reality.

As AI agents continue to evolve, these discussions have transitioned from speculations about future trends to urgent explorations of practical strategies for adaptation. The debate now centers not just on whether a shift in work patterns is inevitable but rather at what speed the changes will occur and who stands ready to meet these challenges head-on.