A recent Bentley-Gallup Business in Society Study has shed light on how Americans view the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the job market. The study, conducted among U.S. adults, indicates that three-quarters of the population aged 18 and above anticipate a reduction in job opportunities due to AI in the coming decade.
Optimism and Skepticism
According to Gallup, a staggering 75% of respondents believe that AI will decrease the overall number of jobs in the United States over the next ten years. This pessimistic outlook stands in contrast to the 6% who hold a more optimistic view, suggesting that AI could potentially create more job opportunities in America.
Interestingly, 19% of those surveyed take a neutral stance, asserting that AI will have no significant impact on the total job count in the next decade.
Trust Issues with Business
The study also delved into the public’s perception of businesses’ responsible use of AI technology. A significant 38% of respondents expressed a complete lack of trust in businesses to wield AI responsibly. An additional 41% admitted to having minimal trust in companies in this regard, while only 19% displayed confidence in businesses’ responsible AI implementation.
AI vs. Humans
Aside from job prospects, the survey examined Americans’ opinions regarding AI’s capabilities compared to human abilities. Interestingly, many respondents believed that AI performed exceptionally well in tasks such as personalizing online content and making product or service recommendations. However, when it came to responsibilities like operating vehicles or making hiring decisions, a preference for human involvement was evident.
The Dual Nature of AI
The study highlighted a divide in opinions, with 50% of U.S. adults believing that AI brings both benefits and drawbacks. This dual perception underscores the complexity of AI’s impact on society.
AI’s Growing Influence
The findings come at a time when AI continues to gain prominence as a sector, with numerous companies increasingly open to integrating AI technology in various forms. In April, a Goldman Sachs report hinted at the potential for AI automation to occupy approximately two-thirds of U.S. job positions, with the technology accounting for 25-50% of daily tasks. The report also emphasized that most jobs and industries are only partially exposed to automation, implying that AI will likely complement rather than entirely replace human workers.
A Shifting Job Landscape
Moreover, the report suggested that as AI’s prevalence grows, entirely new job roles may emerge. These positions, previously nonexistent before the advent of AI, reflect the evolving landscape of the job market.
In conclusion, the Bentley-Gallup study paints a nuanced picture of American sentiments regarding AI’s impact on the job market. While many anticipate a reduction in job opportunities, some remain optimistic about AI’s potential to create new roles. Trust in businesses to responsibly deploy AI varies widely, and the perception of AI’s capabilities compared to humans is multifaceted. As AI continues to shape various industries, the employment landscape in the United States is poised for transformation, bringing both challenges and opportunities.
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