AI’s “permanent underclass” narrative doesn’t fit the evidence, a16z partner argues

An a16z general partner calls the AI-era “permanent underclass” narrative a “dark fantasy.” In remarks shared by the firm, he argues that widely distributed opportunities, competition across the AI stack and record job postings point against it. He also distinguishes using new technology to improve a process from recursive self-improvement, which he says could produce a runaway winner. His contention is that the former—not true recursive self-improvement—is happening.