The Impact of AI
Exploring the changing attitudes towards artificial intelligence around the world
Sample size: 3,500 Countries included: UK, USA, India, Nigeria, South Africa
15+
2 3 4500+
This is a unique study into what people all over the world think the future of technology holds: for their jobs, and for society at large and it arrives at a crossroads for the global tech community.
Technology is making life easier, but for the general population there are legitimate concerns about what the next few decades hold, particularly when it comes to their jobs. Much of the dialogue is framed by business leaders or fear-mongers meaning it can be difficult to decipher how to feel about the future. But how do real people feel about machines and the changes they may bring about What are the major concerns that businesses need to understand in order to help society progress Who is going to be affected most and how
WELCOME... to The Impact of AI.
Executive Summary
This report provides insights into the perceptions of the general public towards artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, and their current and expected impacts on the professional lives of themselves and others. The study was carried out in the UK, the USA, India, Nigeria and South Africa, and covered 3,500 people. Each participant answered questions anonymously via the Streetbees mobile and web app.
Key findings include:
Individuals in accelerating, emerging economies (India and Nigeria) are more concerned by the role of technology in their working lives. Despite these worries, at the same time they are also more optimistic about technology helping them reach their aspirational goals than those in developed markets (the UK a-,nd US). There is a considerable difference in the way men and women respond to technological change. Men are more inclined to agree with the benefits of technology, while women are less convinced - and therefore less invested in the idea of it shaping their future. The majority of people believe that a huge range of jobs will be impacted by machines. Data processing and collecting, `predictable' manual work such as carpentry and manufacturing, customer-facing roles such as retail and hospitality, and expert roles such as those in the medical and legal professions are all seen as at risk.
Will AI have an impact on your working life
Do you think your role could be performed by a machine now How likely is it that your role will be replaced by a machine in the next 20 years
India Nigeria US UK
UK
US
India
(YES)
Nigeria
The easiest place to start The here and now.
Just a decade ago, asking whether a machine could do our jobs was within the realm of science fiction. In 2018, it's a completely different picture. Technology's growing prevalence is often seen as a Western problem. As Westerners are more likely to have access to high-end tech, it's assumed that they are more aware of what this could mean for their future. The reality is very different. Huge numbers in India (59%) and Nigeria (58%) are already concerned about what machines mean for their jobs now, let alone in coming years. In the West, these fears are much less widespread. Only 37% of Americans feel their job immediately threatened by technology's presence. In the UK, that figure is just 25%. So what about the future Just 1 in 3 in both the UK and US think it's likely their job will be replaced by technology, but in India and Nigeria (two of the biggest economies in the developing world) it's the reverse. Think about it: 2 in 3 people across these countries believe that, at some point in the next two decades, their job will be replaced. When it comes to their livelihoods, technology isn't the answer; it's very much the problem. Another key finding is that, when thinking about the next 20 years of work, women are more optimistic than men. Almost 1 in 2 men think it's likely their job will be replaced; among women, it's 1 in 3. Impacting factors of course include the nature of their roles more men work in manufacturing and trade work, for example but it indicates a further than expected shift in the workplace dynamic.
What does the UK think about the Impact of AI
Are you worried about machines taking jobs away from people
British people are concerned about what the introduction of AI means to their futures.
Overall, 2 in 3 Brits are worried about machines taking away jobs from people while 1 in 4 think a machine could do their job now. What does that mean Fear for the economy - 61% believe that machines taking away jobs will cause an economic crisis, and as a result 2 in 3 think there should be rules in place to prevent companies replacing staff with machines. Despite the economic concerns, British people were at the same time quite optimistic about the prospect of tech improving our quality of life. 2 in 3 (66%) agreed that intelligent machines and AI will make their lives easier in the future, with only 11% disagreeing.
Will AI have an impact on your working life
It doesn't worry me. Too many jobs need a personal touch. People have already lost jobs to machines but they can't do everything.
Female, 35 years old
I just don't think I could ever fully trust them. I like to have a human to talk to about issues that need resolving.
Male, 59 years old
I'm a student, I study all the time. Robots can't do that. They can't develop aptitude and mental abilities. They have to be programmed to do everything.
Male, 21 years old
There are barely enough jobs as it is look at supermarkets with self-checkouts, for example. I worry for my children if we are moving towards machines doing all electronic-based work.
Female, 26 years old
What will the future of work look like
What types of tasks do you think machines will be able to perform in the next 20 years
Data processing Data collection/entry Predictable/standardised physical work Stakeholder interactions Applying expertise Unpredictable / custom physical work Managing others Machines will not do any of these Other
What types of tasks do you think machines will be able to perform better than humans in the next 20 years
Data processing Data collection/entry Predictable/standardised physical work Unpredictable / custom physical work Applying expertise Stakeholder interactions Managing others Machines will not do any of these Other
According to the study, machines, much like humans, will be suited to some jobs more than others. Work in data processing and collection is a natural fit, as is `predictable' manual work, such as carpentry or manufacturing. The UK in particular sees this change coming, with more than 2 in 3 agreeing. Look a little deeper, though, and you'll see how far people already predict technology will spread. Customer-facing roles such the point-of-sale checkout have long been in the crosshairs of companies looking to streamline. But what about people with considerable expertise, such as the surgeons or lawyers Over 1 in 3 think these are both areas at risk, making this an issue that transcends social class as well as age, gender and country of residence.
The future will be about collaborating with technology, not competing with it. Aside from data processing and entry, fields in which around 2 in 3 believe humans will have a reduced role to play, people don't believe they will be surpassed in their roles by machines. This goes for every other occupation covered in the study: from project managing to engineering, tree surgery to heart surgery, all over the world. Around 4 in 5 believe humans will still have the edge over technology, feeding into a widely-held belief that these next two decades will see us ultimately work with artificial intelligence rather than have it work for us or, yes, against us.。