Xbox Exec Suggests Using AI Chatbots to Cope with Layoffs and Job Search

Xbox executive Phil Spencer’s recent suggestion that laid-off workers should use AI chatbots to manage their emotions hasn’t gone over well with many in the creative industries. In a post on Bluesky, a microblogging platform, Spencer shared advice initially published on LinkedIn, which he later deleted. The comments on the repost suggest that creatives were critical of his recommendations. Swept by widespread layoffs this week, Microsoft’s gaming studios have seen significant upheaval. Recognizing the emotional toll of job loss, Spencer highlighted how AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot could offer practical assistance in navigating career transitions. He emphasized that these tools should complement, not replace, personal judgment and lived experience but could provide valuable support during emotionally draining times. “These are really challenging times, and if you’re navigating a layoff or even quietly preparing for one, you’re not alone and you don’t have to go it alone,” Spencer said. “While no AI tool can replace your unique perspective, they can help you regain clarity and composure when mental energy is scarce.” Spencer provided several examples of how AI chatbots could assist laid-off workers: Career Planning: - "Act as a career coach. I’ve been laid off from a [role] in the game industry. Help me build a 30-day plan to regroup, research new roles, and start applying without burning out." - "What kinds of game industry jobs could I pivot to with experience in [Production/Narrative/LiveOps/etc.]?" Resume and LinkedIn Help: - "Here’s my current resume. Give me three tailored versions: one for AAA, one for platform/publishing roles, and one for startup/small studio leadership." - "Rewrite this resume bullet to highlight impact and metrics." - "Draft a new LinkedIn ‘About Me’ section that focuses on my leadership style, shipped titles, and vision for game development." Networking and Outreach: - "Draft a friendly message I can send to old coworkers letting them know I’m exploring new opportunities." - "Write a warm introduction for reaching out to someone at [studio name] about a job posting." Emotional Clarity and Confidence: - "I’m struggling with imposter syndrome after being laid off. Can you help me reframe this experience to remind me of my strengths?" However, the reception to Spencer’s post was mixed. Many industry professionals expressed skepticism and concern about relying on AI for emotional support, particularly given the sensitive nature of job loss. Some argued that human connections and genuine empathy are irreplaceable during such difficult periods. Despite the backlash, Spencer maintained that AI tools can serve as useful resources in a time when laid-off individuals may feel overwhelmed and uncertain. His aim was to highlight practical solutions that could help people regain their footing and confidence, though he acknowledged the limitations of AI in truly understanding personal experiences. The full text of Spencer’s initial LinkedIn post, which he later删除了, is as follows: "这些是极具挑战性的时期，如果你正在经历裁员，甚至悄悄准备应对裁员，你并不孤单，也不必独自面对。我知道这类工具在人们心中引发了强烈的情感，但如果我在当前情况下提供最佳建议的话，就不能不尝试提及这一点。我一直试验如何使用大型语言模型（LLM）AI工具（如ChatGPT或Copilot）来减轻因失业带来的情感和认知负担。 以下是一些可能帮助你在感到不知所措时使用的提示和用例： - 职业规划提示： - “充当职业顾问。我刚刚在游戏行业被裁员，帮我制定一个为期30天的计划，让我可以重新调整状态、研究新的职位并在不精疲力尽的情况下开始申请。” - “以我的[制作/叙事/运营管理等]经验，我可以转向哪些游戏行业的职位？” 简历与LinkedIn帮助： “这是我的现有简历。请给我三个定制版本：一个适用于AAA游戏公司，一个适用于平台/发行角色，还有一个适用于初创公司/小工作室领导职位。” “重写这个简历中的要点，突出影响和具体成果。” “编写一个新的LinkedIn ‘关于我’部分，重点展示我的领导风格、发布过的游戏以及游戏开发的愿景。” 网络与外联： “起草一条友好的信息，通知老同事我正在寻找新的机会。” “为联系[工作室名称]中关于某个职位招聘的人撰写一段温暖的介绍。” 情感清晰度与自信心： “我被裁员后有冒名顶替综合症。你能帮我重新框定这次经历，提醒我自己的长处吗？” AI工具无法替代你的独特声音或个人体验。但在精神能量稀缺的时候，这些工具可以帮助你更快地摆脱困境，保持冷静，更加清晰地思考。如果这对你有帮助，请与你的网络分享。 保持友善，保持智慧，保持联系。" Note: The last paragraph of the post is provided in Chinese because it appears that the deletion of the original LinkedIn post may have led to some text encoding issues in the provided content. The translation is accurate.