Pew Survey: Global Majority Expects AI to Reduce Jobs

Robot vs man. Human humanoid robot work with laptops at desk. Artificial intelligence, employees replacement sketch concept — Image credit: Search Engine Journal

WASHINGTON – A new Pew Research Center survey reported that more people globally anticipate artificial intelligence will eliminate jobs rather than create them over the next two decades, with concerns heightened in wealthier nations.

The study, which encompassed 37 countries, revealed that a median of 46 percent of adults expect AI to lead to fewer jobs, significantly outweighing the 9 percent who foresee job growth due to the technology.

Expectations of job displacement were notably higher in high-income countries, where 55 percent of adults predicted job losses, compared to 36 percent in middle-income nations, according to the Pew Research Center.

Australia and South Korea registered the highest proportions of adults expecting fewer jobs because of AI, both at 76 percent. The United States followed closely, with 71 percent of its adult population sharing this view.

The survey indicated that awareness of AI was also more prevalent in high-income countries, where a median of 50 percent of adults reported having heard a lot about AI. In contrast, only 27 percent in middle-income countries reported similar levels of awareness.

The Pew Research Center also found that a median of 35 percent of adults in high-income countries believe AI will exacerbate the gap between the rich and the poor. This contrasts with 22 percent in middle-income countries who hold the same belief.

The comprehensive survey collected data from 42,151 adults across 36 countries between Feb. 8 and May 13. Separate data was collected for the United States, the organization said.

The findings underscore a widespread global apprehension regarding the economic impact of AI, particularly concerning its potential to reshape labor markets and societal equity, according to the report.

Source: Search Engine Journal