# The Real AI Threat Lies in the Back Office

How artificial intelligence is shaping the future of white-collar workers

- **Source:** [Slashdot](https://brifing.si/source/0f34d58e-1ccd-45a6-ab82-2de4065dc7ad)
- **Published:** 2026-07-12
- **Topic:** [Data & AI](https://brifing.si/c/data-ai)
- **Original article:** <https://it.slashdot.org/story/26/07/12/2224249/forget-coders-the-real-ai-threat-is-in-the-back-office?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e1d55782-3e93-4c23-b526-d9b28436c4ff

## AI and the Workforce

Artificial intelligence is particularly threatening white-collar jobs. A broad range of roles, including customer service representatives, accountants, and HR specialists, are vulnerable to the impacts of this technology.

## Economists' Perspectives

Economists note that AI has not yet caused significant harm to the job market. However, the rapid advancement of the technology and its adoption by companies suggest that major changes could be on the horizon.

## Most Affected Jobs

Researchers at Northwestern University studied the jobs most exposed to AI. Secretaries and routine clerical workers top the list. These roles are at risk as technology continues to evolve.

## Lessons from the Past

An economist from the University of Illinois examined past waves of automation. Technologies like AI can create new job opportunities alongside job losses. Focusing solely on losses can be misleading.

## Role of Policymakers

Economists emphasize that policymakers must consider the potential impacts of AI on the job market. Public debates have been criticized for focusing too much on high-status professions.

## Looking Ahead

AI could make the workforce more efficient, allowing employees to earn more. However, protecting the most vulnerable and creating new opportunities are crucial in this process.

## Sources covering this story

- https://it.slashdot.org/story/26/07/12/2224249/forget-coders-the-real-ai-threat-is-in-the-back-office?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._