Microsoft Study Shows AI Automates Mid-Tier Crypto Roles But Spares Jobs

Microsoft’s recent research highlights the vulnerability of certain roles within the cryptocurrency industry to AI-driven automation. The study analyzed 200,000 anonymized Bing Copilot chats to evaluate AI’s performance in real-world tasks, finding that knowledge-based roles—such as crypto journalists, technical writers, and customer service representatives—are particularly susceptible to automation [1]. These findings align with broader trends where repetitive and information-driven tasks increasingly become the domain of machine intelligence.

David Sacks, co-founder of PayPal and a key figure in the U.S. government’s AI and crypto policy, challenges the widespread narrative that AI will lead to mass job displacement. He argues that AI functions as a “middle-to-middle” tool, performing specific tasks but still requiring human oversight and direction to deliver business value. According to Sacks, AI does not replace human labor but instead enhances it, enabling individuals to focus on higher-level strategic functions [2]. This viewpoint is supported by Balaji Srinivasan, former CTO of Coinbase, who notes that AI is an extension of human capability rather than a replacement, emphasizing that it “replaces previous AI models, not human jobs” [3].

The study further reveals that while AI excels in tasks such as information gathering and writing, its impact on data-driven roles like market research analysts and data scientists is slightly less pronounced. This suggests a pattern where AI automates mid-tier functions rather than entire job roles, supporting the idea that it complements rather than substitutes human labor [4]. In practical terms, this means that while some crypto industry positions may be restructured, the overall workforce is likely to adapt by shifting focus to roles that require strategic oversight and innovation.

Labor data from July 2024 also reflects a cautious hiring environment, with only 73,000 new jobs added—below the 100,000 forecast. In the crypto space, job listings remain modest, with 38 positions on CryptoJobsList.com and 69 on Remote3.co. These figures indicate a tempered approach to workforce expansion as companies integrate AI into their operations [5].

The broader implications of these trends suggest that AI will reshape rather than eliminate jobs in the crypto industry. While some roles face higher risks of automation, the technology also opens new opportunities for innovation and productivity. Sacks and Srinivasan both emphasize the importance of viewing AI as a tool that enhances human capabilities, rather than a threat to employment [6].

As the crypto sector continues to evolve, the integration of AI presents both challenges and opportunities. Employers and workers must navigate this transformation by investing in reskilling and adapting to new workflows. The ultimate goal is to leverage AI’s strengths while maintaining a human-centered approach to work, ensuring that the benefits of technological advancement are widely shared [7].

[1] Microsoft Research, https://en.coinotag.com/david-sacks-suggests-ai-job-loss-fears-may-be-overstated-amid-microsoft-study-highlighting-crypto-roles-at-risk/