Almost a third of consumers (30%) fear that Generative Artificial Intelligence will replace certain jobs, although not necessarily their own. However, this concern varies depending on the job roles, where more than half of those surveyed believe that their position will be safe from AI or other technologies, while 20% express feelings of vulnerability or concern about possible job displacement.
The conclusion is drawn from a study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), carried out on 21,000 people from 21 countries on all continents, where it is also pointed out that professionals specializing in intensive support processes and office-based functions (such as marketing and communications, and finance and accounting) feel more threatened by AI, while those in relationship-intensive roles (such as housekeepers, nannies, teachers, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists) feel less threatened.
The same study highlights that Generative AI is here to stay as it offers extraordinary opportunities to improve business productivity and generate benefits. In any case, business leaders consider issues such as transparency or privacy before embarking on any AI project. Furthermore, as companies launch new cognitive technology offerings, companies must reassure customers before applications scale too quickly. In this sense, the BCG study notes a “curve of misinformation, excitement, and concern.” Initially, consumers show concern about AI due to misinformation and myths, concerns that weaken with increased use of GenAI
Aparna Bharadwaj, Global Leader of the Global Advantage practice at BCG, explained on Wednesday that “while perception and use vary by market, age, and exposure, consumers worldwide have a deeper appreciation of AI than we give them credit for,” said the study’s co-author. “These survey findings should be a wake-up call for business leaders, underscoring the need for responsible AI to inform everything they do. If consumers and employees have concerns about data privacy and the ethical use of GenAI, they will not adopt the technology.”
On the other hand, more than 80% of survey participants demonstrated knowledge of Generative AI, and a quarter had already used the technology. 75% reported having used an application or service powered by GenAI to address unmet needs.
