Majority IT workers fear being replaced by AI, new survey shows

• A new survey talks about AI's potential of replacing humans at workplaces
• Majority IT workers feels AI will replace them at their job
• Workers are also afraid of their skills being obsolete due to AI

Discussions around the possibility of AI replacing human beings in the tech world have been going on for almost two years and experts in the field have varied opinions on the topic. On one side, experts believe that AI will help humans be more productive at their job while on the other hand some feel that the emerging technology will takeover jobs altogether. Over time, various surveys and studies have surfaced that talked about the impact of AI at the workplace. A recent survey by Pluralsight also offers some intriguing insights on the topic.

According to the survey, which polled 1,200 executives and IT professionals across the US and UK, a whopping 74 percent of IT workers are worried that AI could render many of their current skills obsolete. And with 69 percent of respondents fearing that AI might eventually replace them altogether, it's clear that anxiety levels are running high. But there's a silver lining—96 percent of IT professionals are determined to stay ahead of the curve by prioritizing the acquisition of AI skills.

The survey highlights that while AI is often touted as a tool to augment jobs and boost productivity, it's also seen as a potential job eliminator. In fact, 35% of executives surveyed admitted that they plan to invest in AI technology specifically to cut down on unnecessary positions. This dual-edged sword of AI—enhancing productivity while potentially slashing jobs—underscores the need for IT pros to evolve rapidly.

Despite these challenges, there's a sense of optimism among IT professionals. A significant 81 percent of respondents expressed confidence in their ability to integrate AI into their current roles, even though only 12 percent claimed to have significant experience working with AI. This confidence suggests that many IT pros see AI not just as a threat, but as an opportunity to expand their skill sets and enhance their careers.

One area where IT pros and executives seem to agree is the importance of having staff who can effectively use AI tools. A staggering 94 percent of IT professionals and 95 percent of executives believe that AI initiatives are doomed to fail without the right people in place. This highlights the growing need for workers who can master generative AI, understand how to craft effective prompts, and leverage AI tools to achieve the desired outcomes.

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