Job security and ethical concerns loom large over the debate about artificial intelligence, but the real fear appears to diminish significantly once people start using the technology, according to Svetlana Sicular, a VP analyst at Gartner.
Speaking at the Gartner Data & Analytics Summit in Sydney on Tuesday, Sicular highlighted a striking shift in attitudes towards AI. Although initial apprehensions about job displacement are widespread, they drop dramatically from around 60% to just 14% once individuals engage with AI technologies. This drop in anxiety, Sicular suggests, is largely due to a fundamental issue: a lack of exposure and understanding.
Media portrayals and sensationalist stories often fuel these fears, Sicular explained. Many people still perceive AI through the lens of science fiction or exaggerated news reports, rather than understanding its real-world applications and limitations. “Most people don’t grasp what AI truly entails,” Sicular remarked. “The complex ethical and technical details are not well-known.”
Instead of pushing for stricter regulations, Sicular argues that increasing familiarity with AI is crucial. She shared an anecdote from Germany’s Bundesliga football league, where players initially resisted wearable devices designed to capture performance data and leverage AI for insights. Over time, they came to appreciate the technology’s benefits, demonstrating that familiarity can turn skepticism into acceptance.
Adjusting expectations is also key to alleviating fears. Sicular emphasized that people need to accept AI’s non-deterministic nature, understanding that perfect accuracy is not always achievable. “The expectation that AI will always be flawless is unrealistic,” she said. “It’s better to view AI as a tool for improving efficiency rather than expecting it to deliver perfection.”
As individuals gain more experience with AI, they start to see it as a collaborative partner rather than a threat to their jobs. This shift mirrors past technological transitions, such as the advent of computers and the Internet. Older generations might find this change challenging, but younger people are increasingly adopting a ‘good enough’ mindset, focusing on probability rather than perfection.
Sicular believes this evolving perspective on technology is part of a broader trend. “AI anxiety will diminish not because AI’s impact becomes less significant, but because people will adapt to and become comfortable with new technological interactions,” she said.
As AI continues to integrate into various aspects of life and work, understanding and practical experience will be crucial in reducing anxiety and fostering a more balanced view of this transformative technology.
