A widely shared article about artificial intelligence (AI) has attracted enormous attention online and sparked discussion about its potential impact on society and jobs. The report on CBS Mornings highlights that an essay titled “Something Big Is Happening” — written by AI entrepreneur Matt Shumer — went viral, with social media users and commentators debating its message. Shumer argues that AI’s rapid progress could lead to “massive disruption” by the end of this year, likening the moment to the period just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, when few people foresaw the scale of change ahead.
Shumer joins the broadcast to explain why he penned the essay and what he hopes readers take away from it. He emphasizes that the pace of AI technological improvement — particularly in generative and decision-making systems — is accelerating faster than most people realize, and that this shift could soon affect a wide range of jobs and industries. His core message to the audience is to start preparing for these upsides and disruptions now, rather than assuming meaningful change remains far off.
The report also reflects the mixed reaction the viral article has generated. Some tech leaders and analysts agree that AI’s impact is significant and call for individuals and organizations to adapt by upskilling and embracing new tools, while others critique the tone or claims of the essay as overly alarmist or speculative. This range of responses mirrors broader public and expert debates over how quickly AI may transform work, productivity, and economic structures.
Overall, the CBS piece underscores that discussions about AI’s future effects are no longer confined to niche tech circles. The widespread attention garnered by Shumer’s essay — and its portrayal on mainstream television — illustrates how concerns about AI’s influence on society, employment, and daily life have entered more general public discourse, prompting both curiosity and caution.
