It’s no longer news that AI technology is changing how we work. But as its presence continues to grow, so too does a chilling feeling among employees about losing their jobs to the machines.
The anxiety about AI taking over jobs seems common among the younger generation.
AI is More Common Among Younger Workers
A recent poll conducted by SurveyMonkey revealed that Gen Zers (37%) and Millennials (35%) employees are most likely to have used AI tools in their work. Only 25% of Gen Xers and 17% of baby boomers reported to have tried AI.
Going by regions, the survey showed that people of colour use AI the most, compared to white workers. About 41% of Asian employees, 38% of Black employees, and 36% of Hispanic workers said they have used AI tools at work, while only 23% of white workers said so.
Meanwhile, of all the users, 72% reported that AI has made them more productive. However, many remain concerned about its impact on their jobs.
Up to 60% of the employees who use AI regularly said they’re concerned about its impact on their jobs, compared with 35% of those who don’t use AI tools.
The survey showed that lower-income earners worry the most about AI job threats. Those making less than $50,000 a year were more compared to those making $50,000 and $99,000 (39%) or $100,000 or more annually (36%), according to the report.
Why Are AI Users Worried?
Several factors could explain why people who use AI the most at work and lower-income earners worry the most about AI’s impact on their jobs.
Working closely with AI means witnessing its capabilities firsthand, making the potential for automation of their own tasks more tangible and immediate. Frequent users likely have a deeper understanding of AI’s potential to automate tasks, making them more aware of the risks to their roles.
The experience creates a sense of vulnerability and job insecurity. Many AI systems operate autonomously, which leaves workers feeling like they have less control over their work environment and decision-making processes. The awareness can fuel anxiety, even if their specific job isn’t at immediate risk.
Lower-income workers often have fewer career options and specialized skills compared to higher-income earners. So, losing a job can have a devastating impact on them, as they may have fewer resources to fall back on during unemployment.
