Almost 63 percent of Generation Z or Gen Z students are concerned about the impact artificial intelligence (AI) will have on traditional job roles and employment stability, according to a report by BML Munjal University (BMU).
Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z currently represents 40 percent of global consumers and a significant portion of the future workforce.
The report, titled Unveiling Tomorrow: Empowering Gen Z in a Changing World, showed that 65 percent of Gen Zs believe AI will significantly impact various aspects of human life, and 33 percent believe it will have some impact on society and daily life in the future.
The term ‘traditional job roles’ often refers to positions that have existed with little alteration for several decades and are typically characterised by routine, well-defined tasks. Examples include manufacturing assembly line workers, data entry clerks, bank tellers, etc.
Also, non-traditional jobs like digital content development, web design, data analysis, and, to some extent, coding also have some impact from generative AI like ChatGPT and other platforms.
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The analysis also shows an understanding of the challenges posed by advancing AI technologies. They primarily revolve around job market uncertainties and potential job displacement, worrying 44 percent of Gen Z students.
“There's an undercurrent of anxiety; they're asking themselves: will there be a place for me in the future job market? The digital native nature of Gen Z means they're more in tune with technological shifts, and they can project these changes forward, anticipating how it might affect their long-term career trajectories,” Dr Ritu Chhikara, Summit Chair and Associate Professor of Marketing and Sustainability at BML, told Moneycontrol.
Historically, traditional jobs are known to have represented stability, continuity and also required less dynamism and agility, she added.
Ethical dilemmas and privacy concerns were emphasised by 28.7 percent of the participants, showcasing a heightened awareness of the ethical implications associated with AI implementation and the necessity for robust privacy safeguards.
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The report suggested that finding solutions that balance technological advancements with the preservation of employment opportunities is paramount to relieving the anxieties of Gen Z and ensuring a smooth transition into a technologically advanced future.
Climate change
Forty percent of students are willing to support environmentally sustainable companies, even with lower pay. Still, it is worth noting that there is a considerable number that have reacted neutrally to the statement.
On the contrary, a notable percentage of more than 18.4 percent is not in favour of this trade-off, while 41 percent maintain a neutral stance on the issue, neither strongly supporting nor opposing the idea. This emphasises the diverse range of perspectives within the sample concerning the significance of environmental sustainability in the workplace.
However, practical support also comes with caveats.
“While many Gen Z individuals express the intent to support green companies, economic factors, availability, and convenience can sometimes limit their ability to do so consistently. For instance, sustainable products often come with a higher price tag, which might not be affordable for all,” Chhikara said.
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In essence, she added that while the intent and inclination are strong, the practical application depends on various factors, including personal economic situations and accessibility to sustainable options.
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