An increasing number of U.S. workers are worried that they will become obsolete as a result of the latest technological developments, according to latest polls.
The impact of AI on the labor market has garnered great attention owing to various trends and hype. Cutting-edge technology, including robotics and machine learning, has the potential to automate routine tasks across multiple industries. Backed by research data that indicates that by 2030, AI may force between 400 and 800 million people to change their careers or lose their jobs, these concerns seem to be well grounded. The sectors most vulnerable to job loss due to automation include manufacturing, customer service, transport, and data entry.
Number of concerned employees on the rise
A recent Gallup poll among U.S. workers shows that 22% of respondents are worried that technology could make their jobs obsolete. Compared to 2021, this figure has increased by 7%.
Although the fear of becoming obsolete (FOBO) is still relatively rare among American employees, it has registered a significant increase over the last couple of years – much more than it has at any other point in the Gallup trend since 2017.
Source: Gallup.com
Those with college degrees account for nearly all of the recent increase from 8% to 20% in those employees concerned about jobs becoming obsolete. Meanwhile, stress among employees with no college degree has been relatively stable at 24%.
Other results of the poll:
- Younger people are more concerned than older employees about technology making their jobs obsolete.
- Concerns have risen higher among those individuals with an annual income below US$100,000 than among those with an income of US$100,000 or more.
- Both men and women are equally concerned about this issue.
In another survey, about 75% of companies stated that they expect to adopt AI by 2027 and, by taking this step, about 26 million jobs are expected to be lost. For the most part, these will be administrative and record-keeping roles.
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The biggest fear is losing benefits
While a growing number of workers are undoubtedly keeping an eye on AI and other technological developments, their foremost job-related worry is still likely to be a reduction in benefits.
- 31% of respondents expressed concern that they may soon lose their benefits.
- A reduction in wages ranks second in terms of common job concerns, as reported by 24% of respondents.
- Around 22% of workers fear being replaced (fully or partially) by technology with 7% worried that their job will be transferred overseas.
The Good News: Many professionals believe that as a result of technological advances, businesses will be able to devise new methods to use technology to help workers to improve their work performance through automation rather than completely replace them.
Will technology create new jobs?
Along with developments in AI, new positions for creating, implementing, and maintaining AI systems will also need to be filled. Professionals with expertise in fields such as data analysis, machine learning, and AI consulting are expected to be in high demand. Companies will require individuals who are able to supervise AI systems and make strategic choices based on the insights of AI.
In addition, because technology will help to undertake monotonous and low-skilled operations, the value of people with skills that can complement AI tech (emotional intelligence, inventiveness, critical thinking) will considerably increase.
Suggested reading: Technology’s impact on employment: benefits and drawbacks
Final word
Given the increasing number of industries introducing automation and the constant news flashes regarding the way AI is going to affect the job landscape, it is reasonable to think that more people, especially those with a college degree, are becoming concerned about technology impacting their career opportunities. At the same time, various technological advances will create new jobs and help workers in their existing positions.
So far, most people are thinking positively about the evolution of AI with concerns remaining at about the same level as they were a few years ago.
It is important to keep in mind that AI adoption is intended to help people and facilitate their jobs rather than leaving them without one.
Suggested reading: AI will not replace you, but someone who uses it might | Opinion
