Who Says Artificial Intelligence Is Stealing Our Jobs?

Abstract

The author investigates survey respondents’ reports of job displacement due to artificial intelligence (AI) and concerns about AI-related job displacement. Accordingly, the author examines explanations of AI exceptionalism—the view that AI technology is unique and will have different job-related outcomes compared with previous technological advances—and the vulnerability of underprivileged groups. The findings support the AI exceptionalism view, indicating that white-collar occupations and those with technical experience are more likely to be at risk. The study also reveals that concerns about job loss are widespread, but those who are more concerned are more likely to be vulnerable to workplace discrimination, not white-collar employees. The author concludes by emphasizing the need to develop new approaches for understanding AI’s impacts in the labor market.