The past few years have seen unprecedented layoffs at tech giants Meta and Amazon, with software engineers and other tech workers among those affected. These cuts are not just cost-saving measures; they are intertwined with a strategic refocus on artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. Both companies have signaled a pivot toward AI-intensive initiatives, even as they trim roles in traditional software and business operations. This article analyzes the timeline and scope of the layoffs at Meta and Amazon, examines leadership statements about evolving AI strategy, and explores evidence of resources being redirected from conventional software projects to AI and machine learning. We’ll also discuss what this means for software engineers – whether it’s a story of job displacement or role transformation – and how it reflects broader industry trends of AI prioritization and automation.

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