The latest report of the Wrocław University of Technology and K+Research shows that the taming of technology goes hand in hand with growing uncertainty. The purpose of the study was to capture social moods and generational differences in the perception of artificial intelligence.
Everything indicates that we are a society in the transitional phase. As noted by prof. Kamil Staniec from the Wrocław University of Technology is the next stage of the revolution, in which “we give a piece piece by piece that were reserved exclusively for man.”
This change can be seen in the moods. On the one hand, we admire the possibilities and benefits of artificial intelligence: time saving, personalization of services or help in learning. On the other hand, we feel anxious about the pace and scope of these changes.
In the study, the concern most often indicated by the respondents was the concern disinformation (44 percent), right behind her technological unemployment (39 percent), loss of privacy (35 percent) and no transparency of AI action (21 percent).
Technology that needs to be understood
Although 87 percent respondents declare that they had contact with AI, only one in ten people assess their knowledge about her high. – We live in the world of information reloading, and artificial intelligence is not only a topic, but also a generator of subsequent content. This is a paradox that leads to the phenomenon of incomplete consciousness – even among scientists – commented prof. Standing during the debate accompanying the premiere of the report.
The study shows that the best intelligence of the Z generation is the best of artificial intelligence. They most often use language models and AI tools in everyday life and work. They are aware of threats, but not paralyzed with them.
Millennials intensively use AI at work, but also more often than others are afraid of technological unemployment (39 %) and threats related to data privacy. Their attitude towards this technology combines pragmatism with growing anxiety about their future.
Boomers, in turn, look at AI with a greater distance, although they see its potential. This distance does not have to be a disadvantage. Prof. Tomasz Kajdanowicz from the Wrocław University of Technology emphasized that while younger generations, especially generation Y, declare with great confidence that they know perfectly well when they use artificial intelligence, and when not, the attitude of Baby Boomers turns out to be surprisingly balanced.
– Representatives of this generation answered in the study that they probably use AI more often than they think, showing a kind of civic vigilance. This cautious approach can have a source in experiences when the information provided by radio and television required distance and critical thinking – commented the expert. Today, this attitude turns out to be valuable as a counterweight for unreflective enthusiasm towards new technologies.
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Transformation of the labor market and employees' identity
Both the study respondents and experts invited to the debate agree: AI changes the competition related to customer service (42 percent), graphics (39 percent), programming (35 %) or creating content the fastest. Machine operators, accountants, financial analysts, journalists, cashiers and warehousemen were also indicated.
– It's not that this competition will disappear. The point is that they will require new competences – primarily the ability to cooperate with technology – said Paweł Łopatka, chairman of the platform of new technologies of Employers of the Republic of Poland.
The expert also emphasized that although most companies implement artificial intelligence tools, the real use of their potential is limited due to costs. – The use of more advanced functions involves sending more data, and this generates further technological and license fees. This is an important aspect of AI monetization, which not only affects large corporations, but also smaller entrepreneurs, often unprepared for this type of expenses.
Katarzyna Sławińska-Oleszek from the Career Office of the Wrocław University of Technology drew attention to the need to redefine her “human value” at work. – It is worth asking what is irreplaceable in my work, where this humanistic piece that technology will not take over.
Intellectual recourse and fear of mindless clicking
Among the threats indicated by the respondents, there was not only fear of employment, but also fear of the influence of artificial intelligence on our own, caused by too easy access to ready -made solutions. – If we do not take care of critical thinking and we do not learn to verify information, we are waiting for a regression – experts warn us.
That is why education becomes key. Not only technical, but also ethical and cultural, which will teach us to treat AI as tools that strengthens our abilities, but does not replace them. Artificial intelligence has already changed the way we work, learn and make decisions. Now it is crucial to learn to coexist with her. We need not only knowledge of tools, but also awareness – what these tools can, where their borders are and how to work with them.
