More than half of global public now worried about AI replacing jobs
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workforce is a topic of increasing concern and debate. According to a recent YouGov survey of 18 international markets, consumers' perceptions and apprehensions about AI's impact on human employment vary significantly across regions.
Globally, three in five consumers (57%) are worried that AI may replace jobs. However, a notable proportion of consumers (43%) do not share the same level of concern. The survey highlights a significant variation in consumer attitudes across different markets.
In Asia, a considerable proportion of consumers express their apprehension, with India leading the way, as more than three-quarters of respondents (76%) there are worried about AI replacing jobs. The UAE and Indonesia follow closely, with seven in ten consumers expressing worry (70% and 69%, respectively). In contrast, China and Hong Kong present a more balanced outlook, with slightly over half of consumers in both markets (55%) expressing concern.
In North America, more than half of Canadian consumers express concern (56%) and a similar share of US consumers (54%) are worried about AI's potential impact on jobs.
In Europe, Spain and France have the highest percentages of worried consumers (67% and 65%, respectively). However, consumer apprehension decreases elsewhere, with less than half of German consumers expressing concern (47%). In Sweden and Denmark, the concern declines further to a two fifth and one-third respectively (41% and 34%).
These findings demonstrate significant regional differences in consumer sentiment towards AI and its potential impact on the job market. Asian markets express more concern than their European and North American counterparts, underscoring the need for continued dialogue and education on AI's role in the future workforce across various regions.
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Methodology: YouGov Surveys: Serviced provide quick survey results from nationally representative or targeted audiences in multiple markets. The data is based on surveys of adults aged 18+ years in 18 markets with sample sizes varying between 512 and 2,034 for each market. All surveys were conducted online in February 2023. Data from each market uses a nationally representative sample apart from Mexico and India, which use urban representative samples, and Indonesia and Hong Kong, which use online representative samples. Learn more about YouGov Surveys: Serviced.