Work Trends | Chapter 3
Chapter 3: The Impacts of Technology and AI on Jobs
Three studies conducted in 2000, 2018 and 2023 explored how workers in the United States think about the impacts of technology on their jobs, the labor market, and the economy.
2000
Nothing But Net: American Workers and the Information Economy
A nationally representative survey of 1,055 members of the U.S. labor force conducted from January 5 to 19, 2000. This report asked workers about the impact of the computer on workplace experiences and their attitudes about technology’s role on the future of work in the country in the “new economy.”
THE COMPUTER: 2000
Use of Technology at Work
%
of U.S. workers used a computer everyday
%
of U.S. workers spent their workday (three hours) on the computer (on average)
%
of U.S. workers spent their workday on the Internet
Impact of Technology on Jobs
%
of workers agreed “New jobs created by information technology are good jobs”
%
of workers agreed "New information technology is good for the economy"
%
of workers reported that there had been no reduction of jobs at their workplace in the past year as a result of technological change replacing workers
%
of workers strongly disagreed that a computer or some sort of technology will replace their job within the next three years.
Technological Skills at Work
%
of workers agreed or strongly agreed (61% strongly agreed) that they have the necessary computer skills to perform their current job
%
agreed or strongly agreed they need more computer skills to achieve their career goals
%
of college and post-college graduates expressed a high level of confidence in their computer skills (90% and 91%, respectively)
%
of high school graduates and 51% of workers with less than a high school education agreed that they have the necessary computer skills to perform their current job
2018
What Me Worry? Most Americans Not Concerned about the Impacts of Technology on Jobs
A nationally representative survey of of 827 U.S. residents age 18+, including 504 members of the labor force, conducted August 8 to 19, 2018. This survey asked workers to gauge the impacts of new technologies overall – the widespread use of the Internet, the automation of job tasks and processes, and the use of robots.
Impact of Technology on Jobs
The study found that new technologies (including computers, automation, robots) are generally good for the economy – 93% of U.S. adults agreed. College graduates, people with a household income of at least $100,000, and salaried workers were more likely to say that they agreed “a lot” with this statement.
Technological Skills at Work
More than 9 in 10 (93%) American workers said training is essential or important for them to keep pace with changes in the workplace — fully half (51%) said doing so is absolutely “essential.” Six in 10 (65%) of the labor force thought they’ll need more technological skills to achieve the goals they have set for themselves in their career.
2023
U.S. Workers Assess the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Jobs
A nationally representative survey of 1,038 U.S. residents age 18+, including 737 members of the labor force, conducted November 17 to 29, 2023. This survey asked questions about new technologies, including automation and artificial intelligence (AI) as generative AI ushers in a new wave of innovation and change in the U.S. labor market.
Workers’ Awareness of AI Technology
Most U.S. workers indicated that they heard a little about the impact of AI on workers and jobs in the United States in 2023 (64%). One in 10 had not heard, read, or knew a lot about how AI will affect jobs and workers. Seven in 10 U.S. workers said they knew a little about how AI may or may not change the nature of jobs in the U.S. labor market (68%).
Impact of AI Technology on Jobs
Fifty-one percent (51%) of U.S workers agreed a lot or a little that AI is good for the economy. Fewer than 1 in 10 (9%) U.S. workers said they agreed a lot with the statement that “AI is good for the economy.” Sixty-three percent (63%) of workers with a college degree said AI is good for the economy, while 43% of workers without a degree said the same.
Sixty-seven percent (67%) of workers said AI will eliminate more jobs that it will create, while 63% of workers said new technologies eliminate more jobs than they create.
Government’s Role
Eight in 10 (82%) workers said it is very or somewhat important that the government in Washington, D.C. ensures that AI technologies do not cause U.S. workers to lose their jobs.
Media Coverage
Workers are Worried About AI on the Job, Study Shows – Marketplace
What US Workers Think About the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Jobs – NJBIA
WorkRise Shorts: Workers’ Assessments of AI’s Impact on Jobs – WorkRise
Rutgers Job Survey: What People in NJ and Nation Worry About AI – NJ 101.5
AI-Powered Work: Efficiency Gains and Human Skills Erosion – Locate2u