'Feeling lost? Ask Copilot': Microsoft exec suggests AI therapy to laid off employees

In a controversial move, Microsoft has recently undergone significant layoffs, affecting around 9,000 employees, particularly from its Xbox gaming division. This wave of job cuts has been met with public scrutiny, not only for its size but also for the internal response from the company. One senior executive, Matt Turnbull, who is a senior producer at Xbox Game Studios Publishing, sparked outrage with a LinkedIn post suggesting that those impacted by the layoffs utilize AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT to cope with their feelings of loss. His post, which has since been deleted, gained traction after being shared by developer Brandon Sheffield on Bluesky and reported on by various news outlets. Turnbull expressed his belief that these AI platforms could help alleviate the “emotional and cognitive load” associated with job loss. He provided a series of AI prompts designed to assist individuals in managing their professional responsibilities and emotional well-being. These prompts included advice on rewriting resumes, reaching out to former colleagues, and addressing feelings of imposter syndrome. One notable suggestion was a prompt asking for help to reframe feelings of inadequacy following a layoff. However, the response to Turnbull's suggestions was swift and overwhelmingly negative. Critics on social media labeled the advice as “gross” and “completely detached from reality,” particularly given that many attribute job losses in part to the rise of artificial intelligence itself. This backlash is amplified by the context of Microsoft’s earlier layoffs this year, which saw over 6,000 jobs eliminated, alongside the cancellation of various gaming projects. The company's executives have framed these layoffs as necessary to adapt to a rapidly changing marketplace, with AI integration identified as a key strategic focus. Nonetheless, the notion of using AI for emotional support remains highly controversial. While Microsoft has marketed Copilot as a potential assistant for well-being, especially targeted at younger users, mental health experts caution against equating AI chatbots with professional therapy. Despite the ambitions of Microsoft’s leadership, including CEO Satya Nadella and Copilot lead Mustafa Suleyman, who have touted the AI as both a productivity enhancer and a personalized advisor, concerns persist regarding users' reliance on AI for complex psychological issues. Turnbull’s intent to provide assistance during a challenging time may have been genuine, yet the suggestion to turn to Copilot for emotional guidance struck many as insensitive, particularly coming from an executive of the company responsible for the layoffs.