In 34 out of 37 countries polled by Pew Research Center, the majority of individuals anticipate that AI will result in a decrease in employment rather than an increase in job opportunities within the next two decades.
Pew released a report on September 17th indicating that in 37 countries, about 46% believe that AI will result in a decrease in jobs, while 9% think it will create more jobs. Approximately 25% were uncertain about the impact.
Expecting a decrease in employment is more prevalent in wealthier nations compared to those with moderate incomes, as is the knowledge of artificial intelligence. The findings across different countries provide insight into the level of awareness and expectations regarding AI among the population in each market.
Pew conducted a survey of 42,151 adults in 36 countries from February 8 to May 13. Data on the U.S. was gathered from two different surveys of American adults.
Job loss predictions are more elevated in more affluent nations.
In 18 high-income countries, around 55% of adults believe that AI will result in a decrease in jobs in their country in the next two decades, according to a report by Pew. In 18 middle-income countries, the median percentage is 36%.
The report categorizes countries based on World Bank income classifications, with the median representing the middle value within each group.
People in middle-income countries were more inclined to express uncertainty, with a median of 34%, compared to 22% in high-income countries.
The report compares the results of each country with its GDP per capita and shows a correlation of 0.60. Australia and South Korea had the highest percentages of people expecting fewer jobs, at 76% each, with the U.S. following closely at 71%. Singapore is considered an outlier with a GDP per capita close to $100,000, where 46% of people expect fewer jobs.
A correlation indicates that two indicators typically increase simultaneously among different countries, but it does not demonstrate that a country’s wealth directly results in lower job expectations for its people.
The U.S. proportion has increased from 64% in August 2024, a statistic that was initially reported last month.
AI awareness is greater in identical nations.
In high-income countries, around half of adults are well-informed about AI, while in middle-income countries, the percentage is significantly lower at 27%. The level of awareness shows a positive relationship of 0.74 with GDP per capita, with Japan leading at 56% and Bangladesh at only 4%.
In about half of the countries studied, individuals who are well-informed about AI are more inclined to believe that it will result in a decrease in jobs. Conversely, those with limited knowledge are often uncertain about the impact.
In numerous countries, individuals with greater awareness generally feel more positive about the presence of AI in their daily lives, according to the report.
Opinions on Disparity and General Feelings
In high-income countries, 35% believe that AI will increase the wealth gap, while only 22% in middle-income countries share this concern.
In high-income countries, 40% of people are more worried than enthusiastic about the increasing use of AI in everyday life, compared to 31% in middle-income countries. The level of concern and excitement is not strongly associated with the GDP per capita, according to the report.
South Koreans are highly anticipative of job reductions, with 18% expressing more worry than anticipation, and 61% feeling an equal mix of concern and excitement.
Why This is Important
Pew’s findings at the country level provide marketers with a glimpse of the variations in AI awareness and expectations among different countries. The results do not indicate how individuals react to AI features, products, or advertising. Wealthier nations exhibit greater median percentages for both AI awareness and concerns about job displacement.
It does not indicate that wealth or knowledge leads to pessimism. In a June survey by Pew in the U.S., approximately half of American adults were reported to be using AI chatbots, with more people anticipating AI to have a negative impact on society rather than a positive one.
Looking to the future
The percentage of adults familiar with AI increased in 11 out of the 25 countries surveyed last year, with Nigeria leading the way with a rise of 14 percentage points. Middle-income countries have the highest number of individuals who are uncertain about how AI will impact jobs, indicating that opinions on the matter are still developing.
Featured Image: Net Vector/Shutterstock