The Death of the 'Computer' Job: A Historical Mirror for AI
RexDouglass · x · 2026-08-21
The author reviews the history of the 'Computer' occupation, which peaked during WWII and formally died in the 1970s with the advent of integrated circuits and FORTRAN. The author speculates that human computers likely discussed their entitlements and future in ways similar to current debates on AI, ultimately facing a similar outcome. This serves as a historical parallel for the impact of AI automation on jobs.
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