Three quarters of students fear AI will impact jobs

New research from student housing provider Yugo says students are excited by the power of artificial intelligence (AI) but fear it will impact their jobs.

Yugo surveyed more than 7,000 students from nine countries about the increasing presence of AI in their lives. Nearly half (48 percent) said they were optimistic about AI, with 62 percent believing it will enhance productivity and 56 percent predicting it will lead to a better work-life balance.

However, the survey also revealed concerns about the use of AI, with 20 percent saying they were worried about AI and 59 percent believing it could lead to a decline in human intelligence.

Three quarters (76 percent) of students fear AI will negatively impact their future employment. 

Despite these concerns, many students are already using AI for several tasks, with 43 percent of UK-based students using it to proof academic work and help with grammar and 21 percent using it to write CVs.

Joe Persechino, Chief Operating Officer at Yugo, comments: “At Yugo, we’re always striving to understand the mindset and aspirations of students living in our spaces. This research is groundbreaking in both its size and geographical reach and paints a compelling picture. 

“It reveals much excitement about the potential of AI, particularly in education, healthcare and technology. But there is clear concern about its threat to students’ job prospects.

“As a globally leading brand and operator of student accommodation in the UK and the largest provider in Europe, our priority is to support students with the skills to flourish in their future careers and life beyond university. That’s why our Live Your Best Life program provides workshops and training to enhance students’ lives both during and after university.”

Yugo is launching a series of workshops and training sessions, called The Power of AI, aiming to help students use AI ethically, creatively and confidently and ultimately helping them to prepare for a future where AI will be integral to both work and life.