LinkedIn layoffs ignite AI blame debate as co founder calls excuse over job cuts

Pandemic overhiring may be the real culprit

LinkedIn, owned by Microsoft, announced layoffs across engineering, marketing and other teams, prompting a debate about whether AI is behind job losses. Co founder Reid Hoffman urged people to avoid assuming all tech cuts are AI driven, pointing instead to pandemic era overhiring as a major, often overlooked cause. The company says it will pursue stronger profitability by prioritizing key work and infrastructure investment.