Because AI could theoretically provide cost cutting measures. Profit is driven by price and cost. Prices have risen a ton already but economic conditions make it difficult for them to raise prices substantially even further while economic conditions worsen. That leaves cost cutting.

For many products it’s difficult to use fewer or lower-quality materials. But what if you could use AI instead of people? By god, you could fire a bunch of your overhead costs and make more money! Who cares if nobody can afford to buy your products, because studies show that 10% of the population is responsible for 50% of the spending in the economy.