Microsoft is making headlines again, this time for laying off around 9,000 employees while simultaneously launching an ambitious $80 billion investment in artificial intelligence. In a shocking move, an executive from the company’s Xbox division suggested that those affected by these layoffs should turn to AI for emotional support.

Matt Turnbull, an executive producer at Xbox, faced backlash after a now-deleted LinkedIn post encouraged laid-off workers to 'talk to ChatGPT.' He stated, "These are really challenging times, and if you’re navigating a layoff or quietly preparing for one, you’re not alone and you don’t have to go it alone." Turnbull went on to suggest that while AI tools like ChatGPT can't replace genuine human connection, they might help alleviate some of the emotional burdens of job loss.

He noted, "No AI tool is a replacement for your voice or your lived experience. But these tools can help get you unstuck faster, calmer, and with more clarity." However, the response from social media was overwhelmingly critical. Many users deemed his suggestions as misplaced and detached from the very real feelings of those who had just lost their jobs.

In his post, Turnbull even provided prompts for how to use AI as a job-loss counselor, suggesting ways to deal with impostor syndrome or build confidence post-layoff. One prompt read, "I'm struggling with imposter syndrome after being laid off. Can you help me reframe this experience in a way that reminds me what I'm good at?"