75% Of Workers Still Fearful Of AI Use In The Workplace

Americans’ perception of AI’s overall harm has improved compared to last year, but the same level of concern over job losses and ethical practices persists.

Time hasn’t lessened the fears for America workers who worry that artificial intelligence (AI) use in the workplace will lead to unethical business practices and job losses.

An updated study by Bently University and Gallup comparing 2023 figures to 2024 reveals that 75% of respondents believe AI will reduce the total number of jobs in the country over the next decade. This apprehension towards AI is at the same level as last year’s figures, as economic uncertainties and the fast development of AI maintain concerns about AI’s impact on the workforce.

Around 70% of individuals who are “extremely knowledgeable” about AI have little to no trust in business to use AI responsibly.

In fact, the majority (77%) of working adults report some lack of trust businesses to use AI responsibly — with 44% expressing they have “not much trust” and 33% revealing they have no trust at all.

Despite these concerns, there are also several changes in how people perceive the overall harm and benefits of AI.

The study found that while 31% of Americans still believe AI does more harm than good, it marks a nine percentage point drop from last year. Over half (56%) now think AI “has a net neutral effect — doing equal amounts of harm and good.” This change in public perception is largely driven by adults over 30.

Adults in younger demographics mostly maintained unchanged views.

The change in perceptions of AI, and the persistent concerns, could have to do with the amount of knowledge Americans have on the subject. Nearly two-thirds of Americans (64%) consider themselves at least somewhat knowledgeable about AI. However, this awareness drops among adults aged 60 and older.

Men were also found more likely than women to claim some knowledge of AI (72% vs. 57%).

“Generally, those more knowledgeable about AI are less likely to express concern about its effects,” according to the study.

When asked what actions businesses could take to reduce worries of AI, 57% of respondents identified transparency about AI usage as the most effective strategy. No other strategy tallied more than 34% of survey respondents’ support revealing a clear preference for openness and clarity related to AI use in the workplace.

Other strategies selected by respondents included:

Be clear about the sources of data used to power AI – 34%

Be clear about data privacy and security for AI products and services – 34%

Report on the number of jobs lost or created due to AI – 26%

Communicate what is being done to reduce risks associated with AI – 25%

Educate the general public about how to use AI – 13%

Ultimately, while fewer Americans now view AI as outright harmful, skepticism around its ethical implementation and fear over job losses remain. For organizations planning to integrate AI-solutions and strategies this year, the path forward will rely on transparency and well-thought-out AI policies.