The viral ‘Ghost GDP’ essay predicting a devastating AI doom loop is a warning to CEOs as they decide how much work to automate

Fortune

by Diane Brady

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The viral essay "The 2028 Global Intelligence Crisis," co-authored by James Van Geelen and Alap Shah, warns of a future where AI could create a "Ghost GDP"—economic output that doesn't benefit the real economy. This scenario involves collapsing real wages as white-collar jobs disappear, concentrating wealth among tech owners while leaving workers displaced. The essay highlights current trends: corporate profits rising alongside stagnant worker pay, high salaries in AI firms for traditional skills, and job loss predictions across industries like Uber and office work. Additionally, recent tech stock declines signal potential shifts. CEOs are aware of these risks and are using AI to redesign roles rather than just cutting jobs or boosting profits. For example, Cognizant plans a 20% increase in junior hires by 2025, while IBM is tripling Gen Z entry-level positions. These moves aim to mitigate automation's impact on younger workers but leave higher-skilled roles' futures uncertain. The essay underscores AI's dual role in boosting profits and causing labor disruption. Machines optimize costs and eliminate inefficiencies, potentially saving money but also exacerbating economic inequality. The need for political intervention arises, as voters can

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/24/2026