Nearly three in four young Australian workers, especially those in the finance sector, are concerned that artificial intelligence technology will reduce their job opportunities, a study has revealed.
However, the majority of working Generation Z members are not letting worries about AI prevent them from using the technology.
Most have been provided access to AI tools by their employers, and nearly all use them on a weekly basis.
Microsoft Australia published the findings from a survey aimed at capturing the views of the “first AI-fluent generation” on generative AI technology.
The findings emerge amid ongoing discussions about AI regulations in Australia, with the Productivity Commission stating that restrictions should only be used as a “last resort” while the government conducts a “gap analysis” of existing laws that may apply.
The AI study, titled Breaking the Mold and conducted by YouGov, surveyed over 575 young professionals, the majority of whom were between 18 and 28 years old.
The study revealed that 71% of Gen Z workers feared AI might reduce the availability of graduate roles in Australia, with this concern rising to 88% among those working in the finance sector, where AI is widely used.
Nearly half of the surveyed workers also worried that their learning was less thorough than before they started using AI.
64% preferred seeking assistance from a manager rather than relying on technology.
Despite these concerns, 97% of young workers with access to AI tools used them at least once a week, and 88% reported that the technology helped them reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks.
For Sarah Carney, Microsoft Australia and New Zealand’s national technology officer, the results showed that workers had mixed feelings about generative AI technology.
“There is opportunity and anxiety existing side by side.”
“They’re experiencing this dualism, which is concern about the jobs that will exist… but also this optimism about how they can use the tools.”
Carney said establishing regulations and fostering open discussions about the technology will become increasingly important to promote both experimentation and careful examination.
“We haven’t made it culturally normal to use AI at work yet – there is still a sense of guilt or cheating.”
“As a leader, making sure you’re creating a space where people can share ideas and share how they used it is really important.”