Rachyl Jones

AI customer service, particularly voice-based systems, faces challenges in real-world applications despite advanced voice capabilities. An ElevenLabs robot struggled with voice recognition and network lag during a coffee-ordering demo, highlighting broader user distrust in AI for customer service. The company, valued at $11 billion, is expanding AI voice use cases across industries.

UC Berkeley’s law school has banned students from using AI for assignments, brainstorming, outlining papers, and grammar correction, emphasizing critical thinking over AI reliance. Critics argue the policy disadvantages students by not preparing them for AI-integrated legal practices, though AI can still be used as a tutor outside assignments.

Robinhood has introduced AI agents for stock trading, allowing retail investors to compete with institutional investors. The tools will expand to options, futures, and cryptocurrency, with plans to include credit card purchase agents. The move raises concerns about risks for everyday investors but highlights tech CEOs' promises of consumer-friendly AI.

Job acceptance rates at major companies like Deel have dropped to 0.2%, falling below Harvard's acceptance rate, as AI screening tools eliminate most applicants. The trend has made it increasingly difficult for job seekers, especially new graduates, to stand out in competitive hiring processes.

Meta is laying off 10% of its workforce while shifting 7,000 workers to AI-focused roles, citing AI costs as justification. The company's push toward AI-driven operations has sparked broader concerns among students and job seekers, contributing to growing skepticism about AI's impact on employment and becoming a political issue as midterms approach.