do you think it's going to reduce them or grow them worldwide, or do you feel it'll depend on geography of the startup and rates there?

I know kids in Serbia getting paid in crypto making what someone would make here in US. But there lives like a king

Direction of the equalization matters. Do they want to start paying SF salaries for people in LATAM? (“I will overpay for talent!”) Or do they want to start paying LATAM salaries for people in SF? (“Why pay more if I can get people to do the same for cheaper”)

There will probably still be premium for working the same timezone and having fluent language skills. Although it probably won’t be that big of a gap.

No aspect, institution or dimension of humanity is in any way shape or form ready for what's about to happen. The very notions of "pay" or "work" are about to have a major falling out with the human memesphere as soon as a critical mass of humans learns to intuit contexts at AIs.

Already happening, albeit gradually. Will negatively impact Bay Area unless the cities/state respond with tax cuts, infra investments & cheaper housing. Will go beyond core engineering. Lots of marketing, pre-sales, post sales & Ops roles will be distributed. Huge implications!!!

This could be very good for local economies.

and there are such companies with location adjusted pay "we believe in equality on the landing page "

African & Indian tech devs..

This trend is already happening, which is positive for the world.