Author of viral 'Something Big is Coming' essay says AI helped him write it — and that proves his point

The writer behind the widely circulated essay addressing the looming disruptions caused by artificial intelligence has expressed an urgent need to share his insights. Matt Shumer, General Partner at Shumer Capital, stated during a conversation with Business Insider, "Even if there is only a 20% likelihood of these changes occurring, people deserve to be informed and prepared." Shumer, who aimed to reach a broader audience beyond the tech community, crafted his message with his father in mind—a lawyer nearing retirement who hopes to navigate the potential upheaval. His essay, titled "Something Big is Coming," has garnered over 60 million views on X, demonstrating its resonance. In the extensive piece, Shumer argues that the transformation brought by AI could surpass the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a claim that has sparked debate online. He observes that the rapid advancements in technology may soon trickle down to various sectors, affecting many lives. "I can’t say for certain that this is imminent, but those of us in tech are witnessing astonishing developments, and there’s a significant possibility that they will reshape the landscape," he explained. Shumer isn't alone in his concerns. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, has warned that nearly half of entry-level white-collar jobs could vanish within the next few years due to AI advancements. Similarly, Elon Musk, head of xAI, has likened the rise of AI to a "supersonic tsunami" that will swiftly eliminate jobs not requiring physical labor. At just 26 years old, Shumer contemplates the uncertainty that AI brings to his own career trajectory. Having co-founded OthersideAI, which evolved into HyperWrite—a tool utilizing AI for writing assistance—he admitted, "It’s a bit bewildering and alarming to consider how this might affect my future." The challenge lies in the uneven impact of AI across different fields. Shumer reassured those in stable professions, such as nursing, while cautioning those in entry-level legal roles, where many responsibilities are already under threat from AI technologies. The inspiration for his essay struck him following his experience with OpenAI's newly released model, GPT-5.3-Codex, which was noted for its ability to partially create itself. Shumer remarked that AI is already capable of performing technical tasks he once handled himself. He openly acknowledged that AI played a significant role in crafting his essay, stating, "It assisted me considerably, which aligns with my main argument." He encouraged skeptics of AI, particularly those put off by earlier, less sophisticated versions, to explore the current capabilities of the technology. "If you reflect back a decade from now and see these changes come to fruition, you’ll be thankful you engaged with it today," he advised.