Businesses Could Be Affected by Women Workers' Skepticism Towards AI in Employment.
In the increasingly tech-driven world we live in, it's becoming apparent that women exhibit less enthusiasm for AI compared to their male counterparts. This trend is highlighted in numerous studies, including one from Pew Research. This study revealed that women in the United States are more skeptical than men about AI's impact on society, less excited about its daily use, and express more concern about AI tools performing repetitive tasks or making significant choices on their behalf.
Supporting this research, Appfigures found that 85% of ChatGPT's mobile users are male. Another study by Axios revealed that nearly half of surveyed women believe AI regulation is not possible, while only 23% of men felt the same way. These findings indicate a potential gap in confidence and comfort with AI technology among women.
Harvard Business School Associate Professor Rembrandt Koning, who has focused on this topic, has noticed that women adopt AI tools less frequently than men, despite their potential benefits. His research shows that women are adopting AI tools at a 25% lower rate than men on average.
Why is this gender gap in AI skepticism and usage occurring? While I'm neither a psychologist nor a woman, I can offer some theories based on anecdotal evidence and cultural observations.
Women, in my experience, tend to be more practical and risk-averse than men. New technologies, like AI, may require time to prove their value before women fully embrace them. Women might be more hesitant to share or rely on information from AI chatbots due to their perceived lack of emotional intelligence and empathy. They may also be wary of chatbots' robotic and insensitive nature since many women work in fields like healthcare, veterinary science, and education, which emphasize nurturing and empathy.
Furthermore, the job automation possibilities raised by OpenAI's deep research tool might be a concern for those who work in areas like proofreading, bookkeeping, social media marketing, content provision, or customer service. If their livelihood relies on such occupations, they might be more cautious around AI.
Businesses cannot ignore female employees' concerns. Studies show that women comprise almost half of the workforce, so skepticism could impact businesses. As AI becomes increasingly prevalent in the business landscape, companies should involve female workers in the rollout, training, and adoption of AI tools, making them more comfortable with these advancements. This approach could contribute to higher productivity, employee satisfaction, and an acceptance of new skills and responsibilities.
Research from Deloitte predicts that women's experimentation with and usage of generative AI will equal or exceed that of men in the United States by the end of the year. While time will tell if this prediction materializes, business owners must remain aware of their female employees' concerns and take proactive steps to ensure they feel comfortable and informed about AI's role in their professional lives.
The study from Pew Research aligns with findings from Axios, showing that 47% of women believe AI regulation is challenging, contrasting with 23% of men having similar views. This suggests a broader issue of confidence and comfort with AI technology among women.
In addition to perspectives from Harvard Business School, a report by Appfigures reveals that 85% of ChatGPT's mobile users are male, further highlighting the gender disparity in AI usage.
As layoffs become a potential consequence of AI advancements, the dubious nature of AI's impact on job security might be discouraging women, who make up nearly half of the global workforce (1de000708b07e0b2e855c574c33f43f3).
To address this issue, businesses should prioritize inclusive adoption of AI tools, engaging women in the rollout, training, and usage process to foster comfort and productivity. This approach could also boost employee satisfaction and the acceptance of new skills and responsibilities.
Deloitte's research predicts that women's experimentation and usage of generative AI will equal or surpass men's by the end of the year. However, until then, business leaders should strive to address women's concerns about AI to maintain a diverse and confident workforce in an increasingly AI-driven world.
