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Pilot study conducted by technology researcher Dr. Marigo Raftopoulos with 614 professionals from Europe and the United States shows that workers recognize productivity gains with AI, but 84% still express concern about cybersecurity risks, job loss, ethical issues, and reduction of autonomy at work.
The majority of workers accept the use of AI in the professional environment and recognize efficiency gains, but a large segment expresses concern about the risks associated with the technology, according to a study cited in the book “Entanglement,” by technology researcher Dr. Marigo Raftopoulos.
The research showed that seven out of ten participants evaluate that AI performs very or extremely well in work tasks. At the same time, 84% of workers and AI are associated with risks such as cybersecurity, job loss, military threats, and privacy issues.
The pilot study interviewed 614 professionals who work directly with AI-enabled technologies. A total of 305 professionals in Europe and 309 in the United States were heard, all working in environments where artificial intelligence systems are already part of the work routines.
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Workers, AI, and the Perception of Efficiency in the Workplace
According to the results analyzed by Dr. Marigo Raftopoulos, workers and AI are often associated with efficiency and productivity gains in organizations. Most participants highlighted that technology helps save time and improve operational processes.
Among the respondents, 71% stated that AI performs tasks very or extremely well. The most cited reasons were improved accuracy of tasks, optimization of processes, and increased efficiency in repetitive or operational activities.
Despite this recognition of technological performance, the responses indicate that acceptance does not mean the absence of concerns. Many workers express a simultaneously positive and cautious view of AI’s expansion in organizations.
The researcher herself states that technology is profoundly altering the way people work. According to her, understanding how workers perceive these changes has become a central point of the research.
Concerns About Autonomy and Job Security
Even with high levels of acceptance of technology, the results indicate increasing discomfort among workers regarding their sense of autonomy at work. As AI systems expand, many professionals report a loss of control over processes and decisions.
Almost two-thirds of the research participants, equivalent to 63%, stated that they feel only moderately empowered or not empowered at all in the professional environment. This result suggests that workers and AI coexist in a scenario of still incomplete adaptation.
According to the researcher, there is a general willingness among employees regarding the implementation of technology. However, initial concerns related to AI integration in organizations persist, along with doubts about performance and trust in the systems.
Participants also expressed unease about potential impacts on job security. For many workers, the adoption of automated systems raises questions about the future of certain professional roles.
Positive, Conditional, and Negative Evaluations of Technology
The analysis of responses revealed different levels of acceptance of AI among study participants. Opinions were grouped into categories reflecting enthusiasm, caution, or rejection regarding technology.
Among the positive statements, which represented 52% of the responses, participants stated that AI automation is a useful tool at work. They also highlighted that technology frees up time and resources and tends to become a common part of professional activities.
Another group of responses, equivalent to 40%, presented conditional evaluations about the use of technology. In this group, participants stated that AI needs to be used correctly, still requires human oversight, and cannot be fully trusted yet.
A smaller segment, corresponding to 4%, expressed negative evaluations about technology. Among these responses are opinions that AI still exhibits biases, cannot match human skills in certain tasks, and may lead to job loss.
Another 4% of participants stated that they did not have a defined opinion on the topic. This group indicated uncertainty about the future effects of technology in the workplace.
Workers, AI, and the Idea of Artificial Intelligence as a Team Member
When asked about the possibility of AI acting as a collaborator or team member in the professional environment, the results indicated strong resistance. Only 12% of respondents said they view this possibility positively.
Among the favorable responses, some participants stated that AI is already part of the team in certain roles. Others mentioned that technology helps humans work faster and perform tasks more efficiently.
A group of 40% presented conditional responses regarding this possibility. This group stated that AI still needs to be more reliable and secure, as well as demonstrate more natural communication in interaction interfaces.
The majority of participants, equivalent to 44%, rejected the idea of considering technology as a team member. In this group, many stated that a human team member is irreplaceable and that AI should be seen merely as a tool.
Other participants noted that technology acts as a facilitator of processes but does not replace people. This understanding reinforces the perception that workers and AI still occupy distinct roles within organizations.
Main Social Concerns About the Advancement of AI
The research also investigated what the participants’ greatest concerns about the impact of AI on society are. The most cited issue was the risk of cybersecurity threats, mentioned by 40% of respondents.
In this group, participants cited risks such as digital scams, cyberattacks, and even possibilities of terrorism involving artificial intelligence technologies. These factors were considered relevant concerns for the future.
The second most mentioned concern was job loss, pointed out by 24% of participants. Among the highlighted aspects are displacement of workers, loss of professional skills, and difficulties in maintaining livelihoods.
Other concerns involve ethical issues, mentioned by 8% of respondents. Among the cited topics are invasion of privacy, military use of technology, and problems related to biased datasets.
Additionally, 12% of participants expressed fear about a possible loss of humanity. These respondents mentioned concerns about a reduction in empathy, common sense, and emotional intelligence in an increasingly automated society.
A smaller group, equivalent to 16%, stated that they do not have relevant concerns about the technology. Some participants in this group said that the problem is not AI itself, but how humans use these tools.
Education and Training as a Response to Technology Adoption
Dr. Marigo Raftopoulos also analyzed factors influencing people’s willingness to adopt AI technologies in the workplace. According to her, many people show hesitation in adopting these tools.
This reluctance, according to the research, is not associated with factors such as age, gender, education, or geographical location. The study suggests that hesitation toward technology may represent a broader human characteristic.
Attitudes toward AI adoption span a spectrum. At one end are people who see technology as an opportunity to be exploited, while on the other side are those who perceive it as a threat.
The researcher states that part of the resistance may be related to the limitations of current technology. Factors such as the adequacy of implementations in organizations and concerns about changes in the social contract between companies and employees may also influence.
In light of this scenario, she emphasizes the role of education and training to enhance workers’ understanding of how AI works. Programs for AI literacy can help reduce fears related to loss of autonomy or employment.
According to the researcher, educational initiatives can foster a culture of learning and adaptation in organizations. The goal is to ensure that workers feel empowered to act alongside AI systems, rather than threatened by them.
The author also recommends that companies adopt long-term investment strategies and broad approaches to implement technology. According to her, the success of AI depends on proper integration with existing organizational structures.
For the researcher, the advancement of intelligent technologies requires a balance between technological innovation and human well-being. She states that human flourishing, technological effectiveness, and business development are interconnected.
Raftopoulos concludes that the goal is to help citizens and workers understand both the positive effects and the challenges of AI. According to her, technology can be leveraged without compromising the humanity of work relationships.
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