U.S. workers are extremely anxious about jobs. Many workers are quick to blame economic problems - real or imagined - on immigrants. They also frequently blame large corporations. They argue that millions of jobs are being moved offshore.. The rhetoric often sounds bleak.
In the midst of the noise, few people focus on the most obvious source of job loss - technology.
Gallup wanted to learn more about the economic fears of U.S. workers. They conducted a survey of more than 3,000 people. The results were somewhat surprising:
58% of all respondents believe technology is the greatest threat to U.S. jobs in the next 10 years (as opposed to 42% who believe immigration or outsourcing is the greatest threat).
The groups most worried about losing their jobs to technology are (1) those aged 18-35; (2) those who have earned their Batchelor's Degree or higher; or, (3) Democrats
73% of all respondents predict the adoption of artificial-intelligence will lead to job-losses.
24% of all respondents are "very" or "somewhat worried" they will personally lose their jobs to technology
Republicans were more likely to worry about losing jobs to immigration or outsourcing. The difference in opinion between Democrats, Independents and Republicans was not particularly large.
The Gallup results illuminate the fears of U.S. workers. Surprisingly, the results demonstrate widespread anxiety about workplace technology. Politicians would be smart to address those concerns, rather than secondary worries that demonize immigrants and other nations.
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