Revenge of the English majors: The age of AI is driving new respect for humanities skills
Business Insider
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries, and surprisingly, it’s giving humanities degrees like English a newfound value. Once seen as impractical, these majors are gaining traction due to the growing demand for soft skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and empathy in AI-driven markets. Universities are adapting by integrating AI into liberal arts curricula, offering courses that explore ethics, writing, and identity in a technological world. For instance, at the University of Colorado Boulder, a course co-taught by an applied mathematician and a Renaissance scholar combines STEM with humanities to help students navigate the ethical and societal impacts of AI.
The article highlights how English majors are increasingly sought after for their ability to communicate effectively and think critically—skills that complement AI tools rather than being replaced by them. Employers are realizing the importance of human qualities like creativity, empathy, and nuanced understanding in a world dominated by technology. However, the job market remains challenging, with hiring slowing down across industries, including for humanities graduates. Despite this, there are signs of hope: smaller companies and tech firms are actively recruiting candidates with strong communication skills, and larger organizations may follow suit as they adopt AI tools more extensively.
The resurgence of interest in liberal arts is driven by students who seek to understand the "why" behind decisions and phenomena—an area where AI falls short. Programs like creative writing and literature are thriving because they emphasize human-centered values, such as artistry and purpose beyond mere profitability. As AI continues to evolve, the demand for critical thinkers who can reflect on its implications will likely grow, offering promising career paths for those with humanities backgrounds. Ultimately, this shift underscores the enduring relevance of soft skills in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
While challenges remain, particularly in a sluggish job market, the article suggests that English majors and other liberal arts graduates are well-positioned to thrive by leveraging their unique strengths. The interplay between AI and human skills is creating new opportunities for those who can bridge these worlds, making the humanities more essential than ever in the modern workforce.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/22/2026