A representative survey conducted by TU Darmstadt, in collaboration with YouGov, has shed light on the growing concerns about job security in the face of advancing AI technology. The survey, which covered over 2,000 people in Germany, found that 43% of respondents with very strong AI knowledge expect AI to take over their jobs, a higher share than among those who understand it less.
According to Peter Buxmann, who led the study, "those who understand AI best are also the most aware of its disruptive potential." This pattern is both remarkable and worrying, as it suggests that the people who know AI the most are also the most likely to lose their jobs to it. The survey's findings are measured against last year's edition, providing a clear picture of the growing concerns about job security.
The worries about AI are not just about job losses, but also about the potential risks associated with the technology. Hallucinations and data protection top the list of concerns, well ahead of anything about machine superintelligence. In fact, only 40% of respondents think superintelligence is even likely. This is a significant finding, as it suggests that the concerns about AI are more focused on the practical applications of the technology rather than its potential to become superintelligent.
Younger workers are more anxious than older ones, which inverts the usual expectation. Concern about job security rose across every occupational group since last year. This is a worrying trend, as it suggests that the concerns about AI are not just limited to older workers, but are also affecting younger workers who are just starting their careers.
The survey also found that only 15% of respondents have had any AI training at all, despite a literacy obligation that began 18 months ago. This is a significant finding, as it suggests that many workers are not being prepared for the potential risks and benefits associated with AI. The AI Act, which obliges providers and deployers of AI systems to take measures supporting AI literacy among staff, has been in place since February 2025. However, the survey's findings highlight the need for more effective training and education programs to prepare workers for the impact of AI on their jobs.
The lack of training and education programs is a major concern, as it leaves many workers unprepared for the potential risks and benefits associated with AI. As Buxmann noted, "losing a job costs more than income," highlighting the need for honest answers and effective training programs to prepare workers for the impact of AI on their jobs.
Este artículo fue escrito con la asistencia de IA.
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