FOBO: The Growing Fear of AI-Driven Obsolescence in the Workforce

The World Economic Forum’s 2024 Davos meeting has highlighted a new workplace anxiety termed ‘FOBO’ - Fear of Becoming Obsolete - primarily driven by rapid AI advancement. The concept reflects growing concerns about job security and professional relevance in an increasingly AI-dominated workplace. According to WEF’s Future of Jobs Report, 42% of workers’ core skills are expected to change by 2027, with AI and automation being major catalysts. The article emphasizes how this anxiety is particularly acute among knowledge workers and middle managers, who fear their roles could be automated by AI tools. Industry leaders and experts suggest that the best defense against FOBO is continuous upskilling and adaptation to new technologies. The report indicates that 60% of workers will need significant reskilling by 2027 to remain competitive. Companies are responding by increasing investment in employee training programs and AI literacy initiatives. The article also notes that while AI may eliminate certain jobs, it’s also creating new roles and opportunities. However, the pace of change is unprecedented, requiring workers to be more adaptable than ever before. The key conclusion is that FOBO is becoming a significant workplace phenomenon that requires both individual action through continuous learning and organizational support through training and development programs.

Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/fobo-fear-of-becoming-obsolete-new-business-buzzword-davos-wef-2025-1