Mass unemployment, civil unrest: what UK citizens really think about AI
Mass unemployment, civil unrest: what UK citizens really think about AI
Mass unemployment civil unrest – A new survey conducted by researchers at King’s College London has uncovered widespread unease among UK citizens regarding the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to disrupt employment markets and spark social unrest. The study, which gathered insights from over 4,500 individuals across various demographics, including university students, young adults, employers, and members of the public, reveals a significant portion of respondents fear AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates.
Public Concern Over Economic Impact
According to the findings, seven out of ten participants express anxiety about the economic consequences of AI-driven job losses. More than half of the respondents believe AI could lead to widespread unemployment, with a quarter anticipating this shift might result in civil unrest. Bobby Duffy, co-author of the survey and director of the Policy Institute at King’s College London, emphasized the apprehension surrounding AI’s role in the workforce. “The public, workers, young people and university students are watching the rapid development of AI with more fear than excitement, with real concern for what it will do to jobs, particularly at entry levels, and, therefore, the prospects for our young people and the economy in general,” he said in a statement.
“The public, workers, young people and university students are watching the rapid development of AI with more fear than excitement, with real concern for what it will do to jobs, particularly at entry levels, and, therefore, the prospects for our young people and the economy in general.”
Emergence of Anti-AI Movements
The report coincides with the rise of anti-AI initiatives, such as the “QuitGPT” group, which advocates for a boycott of ChatGPT. This movement gained momentum after OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, inked a February deal with the United States Department of War (DOW) for unrestricted use of its AI in military operations. The agreement has fueled public skepticism, with many questioning the ethical implications of AI’s integration into sectors like defense.
Public Perception of AI’s Disadvantages
Four in ten respondents viewed AI as having more drawbacks than benefits, highlighting concerns over its impact on employment and societal structures. Almost half of the participants said they would prefer to avoid AI-based technologies altogether. While anxiety is prevalent across all groups, employers appear more hopeful about AI’s long-term potential. Nearly 70% of employers expressed optimism about new opportunities it might generate, and almost half believed the technology would create as many jobs as it displaces.
Employers vs. Public: A Divided Outlook
When it comes to job displacement, employers were more likely to see AI as a tool for supporting workers rather than replacing them. Fifty-six percent of business owners argued that AI’s primary role is to assist employees, whereas 32% of the general public believed it would replace human labor. However, 22% of respondents admitted to reducing hiring or cutting positions due to AI adoption, with this figure rising to 29% among large organizations.
Call for Government Action
Outside of employer perspectives, the general public expressed a strong desire for government intervention to address AI’s societal effects. A majority of 66% called for stricter regulations on AI firms, while 53% supported retraining programs to help workers adapt. Additionally, 53% of respondents favored a tax on companies that replace employees with AI. These measures reflect a growing demand for safeguards against the potential risks of automation.
Focus on Young People and Future Prospects
The survey highlights a particular concern for the future of young workers. Nearly six in ten participants agreed with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei’s 2025 prediction that AI could eliminate half of all entry-level white-collar jobs within five years. Parents were also divided, with 50% fearing AI would harm their children’s career opportunities. Only one-third of parents with children under 30 had discussed AI’s impact on their future with their kids.
Student Perspectives and Gender Gaps
Among university students, there is a noticeable gender divide in perceptions of AI’s impact. While 35% of students expressed excitement about new opportunities created by AI, just 28% of the general public shared this sentiment. Young male students were more likely to view AI positively, with 52% believing it would improve their lives, compared to 38% of female students. This disparity aligns with broader research indicating women in high-income countries are three times more likely than men to lose their jobs to AI automation, as noted in a 2025 report from the United Nations’ International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Reconsidering Educational Choices
Students are also rethinking their academic paths in light of AI’s rapid rise. Three in ten respondents indicated they would now pursue different degree subjects to better prepare for an AI-dominated job market. Despite these concerns, 43% of participants said they would continue using AI in the future, with 26% opting to avoid it altogether. The data suggests a cautious but not entirely dismissive attitude toward AI’s integration into daily life.
AI’s Role in Shaping the Labour Market
When asked about their expectations for the labor market, 68% of students voiced worries about AI-related job losses, while 60% anticipated the technology would make employment significantly more competitive by the time they graduate. These concerns are driving a shift in educational and career planning, as students seek to align their skills with the evolving demands of the workforce. The survey underscores the urgent need for policies that address both the opportunities and challenges AI presents to different age groups and professions.
Long-Term Implications and Public Demand for Fairness
Only 7% of general public respondents believed the economic benefits of AI would be fairly distributed. This sentiment reflects a broader skepticism about the technology’s ability to uplift ordinary workers, with two-thirds of participants asserting that AI gains would primarily benefit wealthy investors and corporations. The findings highlight a disconnect between technological advancement and its perceived impact on social equity, prompting calls for measures that ensure fairer outcomes for all segments of society.
As AI continues to reshape industries, the study provides a snapshot of public sentiment, revealing a mix of fear
