A new survey has revealed that a majority of the British public fears artificial intelligence (AI) will lead to widespread unemployment and potentially trigger civil unrest. The study, conducted by The Policy Institute at King’s College London, surveyed 2,000 members of the general public, 1,000 young people, 1,000 university students, and 500 employers.
Key Findings
According to the research, 57% of the general public expect AI to cause widespread unemployment, while 22% believe it could lead to civil unrest. This fear is even more pronounced among university students, with 34% expressing concern about potential unrest. Professor Bobby Duffy, director of The Policy Institute, noted a prevailing sentiment of “real concern” regarding AI advancements, particularly for entry-level jobs and the future prospects of young people.
Economic Concerns
Nearly seven in 10 workers (69%) and 64% of employers are worried about the economic impact of AI-driven job losses. However, most workers (55%) are not concerned about AI replacing their own jobs. The majority across all surveyed groups predicted that the economic benefits from AI would primarily accrue to wealthy investors and large corporations, rather than workers or society as a whole.
Generational Divide
The survey highlights a generational divide, with younger people expressing greater anxiety about AI’s impact. Among young people, 34% fear civil unrest, compared to the national average of 22%. Professor Duffy emphasized that these findings reflect deep-seated anxieties about the future of work and economic inequality.
The study underscores the need for policymakers to address these concerns and ensure that the benefits of AI are distributed more equitably across society.
