one might argue that persistent layoffs encourage self-oriented preservation

But the tech industry’s halo has dimmed a lot since then. Founders, and their most loyal lieutenants, are trading idealism for pragmatism. AI is moving so fast, and the people developing it are trying to move along with it. There is little time to linger or build reputations slowly before the next opportunity arrives. For now, this generation of AI talent can name its price. The question is: at what cost?

_{Quote Citation: Lauren Goode, “Loyalty Is Dead in Silicon Valley | WIRED”, FEB 5, 2026 4:33 PM, https://www.wired.com/story/model-behavior-loyalty-is-dead-in-silicon-valley/}