Gen Z in fear of being fired: Young people are sabotaging artificial intelligence so it doesn’t steal their jobs

Active sabotage due to fear of replacement

A significant part of Generation Z is actively sabotaging AI tools in their workplaces out of fear that technology will take away their jobs. Research conducted by Writer and Workplace Intelligent found that as many as 44 percent of Generation Z employees admitted to deliberately sabotaging AI initiatives at their companies. As the main reason for such behavior, 30 percent of them cited concerns about job automation and potential job loss.

The methods of sabotage are varied and very well thought out. They include the intentional input of false or low-quality data into AI systems in order to reduce their efficiency and accuracy. Some employees use unapproved AI tools that can pose a security risk to the company, while others deliberately put up with bad results obtained from artificial intelligence without any corrections, trying to prove its unreliability. In addition to the fear of being fired, security problems and frustration due to the increased scope of work that the introduction of AI sometimes brings are cited as reasons.

Technostress and escape to “safer” jobs

This so-called “AI anxiety” or “technostress” is further exacerbated by the speed at which technological change is occurring, as well as by a general feeling of uncertainty about future career prospects. Research shows that anxiety and anger towards artificial intelligence is growing among young people, and almost half (48 percent) believe that AI brings more risks than benefits in the labor market.

Because of the pervasive fear, some members of Generation Z are even considering a complete career change. They will turn to manual and manual jobs, which they perceive as significantly safer than automation and less susceptible to technological changes that could leave them without a job.

Despiteč fears, Generation Z simultaneously recognizes that the skills of using artificial intelligence are key to survival in the labor market. Data shows that more than half of young people believe that knowledge of AI tools will be necessary for their careers, especially since many companies already they plan to reduce the number of employees who do not use AI.