Gen Z and the Fear of AI: Fears for the Future of Work | Free generative ai api | | What is the classification of chatgpt within generative ai models | Turtles AI
Generation Z is particularly concerned that AI will replace their jobs, while executives, such as CEOs, do not seem to worry as much. Anxiety about the replacement of entry-level roles is fueled by increasing automation, but the more experienced generations are protected by their experience and skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Key points:
- 62% of Generation Z fear that AI will replace their jobs within 10 years.
- Only 6% of CEOs and senior executives see AI as a threat to their positions.
- Automation of entry-level jobs increases the vulnerability of younger workers.
- Employers are called upon to train the next generation of workers, equipping them with the necessary skills.
The future of work, shaped by AI, has become a source of concern for many young professionals, particularly Generation Z, the first to have lived with the Internet and digital technologies since childhood. According to a survey conducted by General Assembly, as many as 62 percent of these young people believe that in the next ten years AI could supplant their occupations. Generating this anxiety is mainly the automation involved in repetitive, low-level tasks typical of entry-level positions, where young people are most exposed. In contrast, managers and CEOs, who have years of experience and contextual expertise, seem less concerned. Only a small percentage, 6 percent, of senior executives believe that AI may pose a threat to their position. This gap between the concerns of younger generations and those of business leaders could be attributed to the different degree of power and influence each group holds in work dynamics. Executives, in fact, are in a privileged position to make decisions regarding the use of AI in their companies, while junior workers, often with fewer resources and without strong bargaining power, fear that they are the most vulnerable in an environment of rapid change. On a practical level, in the past few months, many companies have used AI technology as a justification for reducing staff. From May to February last year, there were more than 4,600 layoffs in the United States due to the introduction of automated solutions, although this figure is probably lower than reality, industry experts suggest. Gen Z’s uncertainty may also be fueled by the fact that they are still early in their careers, at a stage when their experience is not yet established and they are more exposed to technological changes in job roles. Generation Z is aware of how AI is already replacing some entry-level jobs, and their anxiety is growing precisely because of the fear of not being able to compete with machines on tasks that require less specialization. On the other hand, older generations, such as baby boomers, seem less inclined to worry, with only 24 percent of them fearing replacement by technology. Despite this apparent peace of mind, some experts believe it is critical that employers do not neglect the needs of younger people. Training the younger generation becomes crucial to prepare them for future challenges, especially in a world where soft skills, such as communication and time management, are set to become increasingly crucial as automation takes over the more technical and repetitive tasks.
Companies cannot afford to ignore the potential of new recruits, and they must take charge of their training if they are not to risk losing an entire talent pool.