AI is widely feared as a threat to employment, according to a new global survey from Pew Research examining how people perceive the technology and its potential effects on work, everyday life, and income inequality.
The research questioned 42,151 people across 37 countries between 8 February and 13 May, capturing public sentiment ahead of more recent warnings about the technology’s risks.
Job losses top the list of concerns
A clear majority views artificial intelligence as a danger to human employment. In 34 of the 37 countries surveyed, respondents were more likely to believe AI will result in job losses over the next 20 years than to expect it to create new roles.
Anxiety was found to be especially pronounced in wealthier nations. In Australia, 76 percent of those surveyed expressed concern, matched by 76 percent in South Korea. In the United States, 71 percent shared the same worry about the impact of the technology on the workforce.
A broad look at AI’s influence
Beyond employment, the Pew study explored wider attitudes towards AI, taking in its influence on daily life and on income inequality. The findings point to a consistent pattern across a large and diverse sample of countries, offering a snapshot of public opinion during the early months of the year.
The survey covered 37 countries in total, with only three of them showing populations more inclined to expect job creation rather than job losses from the spread of artificial intelligence over the coming two decades.
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Image: theverge.com
