More than half (58%) of American workers are at least a little scared that they will lose their job to artificial intelligence (AI), according to a survey conducted as part of Finder’s quarterly Consumer Confidence Index.
But the degree to which people fear AI taking over jobs varies. At one end of the scale of fear, some are either extremely (16%) or very concerned (14%) about what AI in the workplace means for their future job security, compared to those who might be more apprehensive about the role that AI will play in the future rather than outright terrified: somewhat (16%) and slightly concerned (13%). Finally, there is a solid amount who are not concerned at all at 42%.
Men are more threatened by AI than women
Men (64%) are more concerned about how AI will affect jobs than women (51%).
Anxiety over AI high among younger generations
Millennials (70%) and gen Z (67%) are by far the most concerned about artificial intelligence taking over and impacting their job prospects, compared to 47% of gen X and just 26% of baby boomers.
The West is worried about what AI means for their jobs
Those living in the West are most fearful about AI and the future of work at 69%, compared to just 53% in the Midwest.
Self-employed most secure with AI
Those who are self-employed are the least concerned about the rise of AI, with just 50% saying AI is threatening their jobs, whereas full-time employees are the most concerned about AI in the workplace (60%).
More jobs mean more concern about AI
Those working more than one job are really worried about what will happen, with 83% expressing concern over AI replacing jobs — 38% of whom are extremely concerned.
Worry begets worry
Those already worried about being laid off in the next 12 months are also concerned about artificial intelligence taking over jobs, with 81% expressing concern.
Industries most concerned about AI
The top three industries concerned about AI’s impact on jobs are agriculture (83%), marketing and communications (79%) and engineering (78%). Whereas just 36% of those working in civic and social services expressed any concern.
What makes these figures all the more worrying is that a combined 17% said they would only be able to live off their savings for a week or less if they lost their job tomorrow, with 11% saying they’d last under a week. And just where 22% said that they were investing their money in high-interest savings accounts.
