Imagine a future where your job, your industry, and even your daily life are transformed beyond recognition—all because of artificial intelligence. This isn’t science fiction; it’s a warning that’s already going viral. Matt Shumer, the author behind the explosive essay ‘Something Big is Coming’, claims AI isn’t just knocking on the door—it’s already inside, reshaping our world. And here’s the kicker: he used AI to help write the very essay that’s warning us about it. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a brilliant proof of concept, or a cautionary tale about over-reliance on technology?*
Shumer’s essay, which has racked up over 60 million views on X (formerly Twitter), isn’t just a tech insider’s rant. It’s a wake-up call for everyone—from his dad, a lawyer nearing retirement, to junior associates in law firms whose jobs are already on the AI chopping block. And this is the part most people miss: Shumer argues that even if there’s just a 20% chance of AI fundamentally altering society, we deserve to know—and prepare. ‘People deserve to know,’ he told Business Insider, emphasizing the urgency of his message.
But Shumer’s not the only one sounding the alarm. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei predicts that up to half of all entry-level white-collar jobs could vanish in the next one to five years. Elon Musk, xAI CEO, calls AI a ‘supersonic tsunami’ poised to sweep away jobs faster than we can imagine. Bold claim, right? Yet, Shumer’s own career in AI—he cofounded OthersideAI and HyperWrite—makes him both a prophet and a potential casualty of this revolution. ‘It’s frankly a little confusing and terrifying,’ he admitted, reflecting on his own uncertain future.
What makes AI’s impact so unsettling is its unpredictability. Not all industries will be affected equally or simultaneously. Nurses, for instance, may remain relatively safe—for now. But junior lawyers? They’re already in the crosshairs as AI targets routine, introductory tasks. Here’s a thought-provoking question: If AI can replace your job, is it time to pivot, or is it too late?
Shumer’s realization about AI’s potential came after experimenting with OpenAI’s GPT-5.3-Codex, a model that reportedly played a role in its own creation. ‘AI is now capable of doing my technical work,’ he wrote, a statement that’s both awe-inspiring and alarming. And let’s not forget the irony: Shumer openly admits that AI—specifically Claude—helped him craft his viral essay. ‘It did help a lot, and I think that’s kind of the point,’ he said. But is this collaboration a glimpse into a harmonious future, or a warning about losing our creative edge?
Shumer’s message to skeptics who dismissed AI after early, clunky encounters with tools like ChatGPT is clear: revisit the technology. ‘If you look back 10 years from now and this did come to pass, you’ll be very glad you did,’ he advised. Whether you see AI as a tool, a threat, or both, one thing is certain: the conversation around its impact is far from over. So, here’s the question for you: Are we ready for what’s coming, or are we sleepwalking into a future we’re not prepared for? Let’s debate this in the comments—your thoughts could shape the conversation.
