Imagine a world where young people can't get a foot in the door at their dream company because robots and computers are doing the work. That's the warning from Andrew McAfee, a researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He thinks companies are making a big mistake by replacing entry-level workers with AI technology. McAfee says this could lead to a lack of skilled workers in the future, which would hurt companies in the long run.

The problem is that many young people learn their skills on the job. They start out doing small tasks and work their way up to more complex ones. This helps them develop the skills they need to succeed in their careers. But if companies use AI to do those small tasks, the young people won't get the chance to learn. McAfee says this could lead to a shortage of skilled workers, which would be a big problem for companies.

McAfee also thinks that companies are missing out on an opportunity by not hiring young people. He says that Gen Z workers are comfortable using technology, including AI. They're also more open to new ideas and are more willing to try new things. This makes them a great asset to companies.

McAfee's warning comes at a time when many experts are predicting that AI will replace many entry-level jobs. Some are even saying that up to half of those jobs could be gone within the next five years. This is a big concern for companies, as it could lead to a shortage of skilled workers and make it harder for them to compete in the future.

The good news is that there's still time for companies to change course. McAfee says that they can avoid these problems by finding ways to use AI that complement human workers, rather than replacing them. This could involve using AI to help workers do their jobs more efficiently, rather than replacing them entirely.