Narayan AmmachchiAbout 13% of American workers are fearful over losing their jobs to automation, robots, or artificial intelligence over the next five years, according to a recent Gallup survey.
Most think they may have to learn new skills, because their job will become obsolete or unnecessary. Many also expressed concern over an impending reduction in salary and employment benefits.
The report comes after market research firm Forrester estimated that robots would replace 6% of jobs in the US by 2021. These jobs include customer service representatives and taxi and truck drivers. White-collar jobs that could be replaced include surgeons, anesthesiologists, and legal associates.
Some analysts oppose the idea that Americans displaced by technology will be unable to find new jobs.
“Employed US adults also may be aware of the rapid automation of work but do not believe they will personally be affected, or, if their job is eliminated, they think it will be many years in the future,” the report added.
Even though technology has proved that it can drive cars, self-driving vehicles are not available commercially in large scale, nor have many customer service functions been automated.
Results for the poll was based on telephone interviews of 514 employed adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 US states and the District of Columbia.
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