The article discusses the disruptive nature of technology, particularly focusing on the current wave of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on white-collar jobs in the United States. Historically, technological advancements have consistently displaced workers, starting from the steam engine, through the assembly line, and into the age of the internet. Each period brought about significant changes, leading to fears about job loss, although over time the economy has adapted. This time, however, the anxiety surrounding AI feels more personal and immediate, affecting highly educated workers in knowledge-based fields.