Gallup: Rising Number of People Experiencing FOBO Due to AI

Now, let's explore the predictions of billionaire and philanthropist Bill Gates, whose companies, including OpenAI, and innovations like ChatGPT, hold a considerable stake in the contemporary AI market. 

Bill Gates' foresight is remarkable. Around half a century ago, a single computer occupied an entire room on average. Yet, even in those early days, he predicted that computers would soon become a common sight on every desk—and he was absolutely right. In the early '90s, he postulated that the Internet would revolutionize human civilization. He also anticipated a future where mobile phones would evolve beyond mere calling devices into tools for communication, shopping, banking, education, and more. Gates recognized the potential of online advertising and predicted the 2021 pandemic with striking accuracy.

So, what's his current focus of concern?

Gallup’s studies show that the average American concerned about their job becoming obsolete due to technological advancements is often a young individual with a degree, earning below $100,000 a year. In this demographic, the levels of FOBO have increased from 8% to 20% in the last two years. 

Individuals without higher education also acknowledge this issue, maintaining a 24% level of FOBO. 

Gender doesn’t appear to differentiate these fears; both men and women demonstrate similar levels of concern.

Hence, the sociological profile exhibiting increased anxiety regarding job obsolescence from new technologies is predominantly composed of younger, educated individuals with lower incomes.

In general, American employees have a wide range of fears regarding their work and career paths. According to Gallup, the primary concern is the loss of benefits, a worry shared by almost one in three respondents. Around 24% of individuals are anxious about a salary reduction. Notably, those grappling with FOBO rank third, with roughly one in five workers expressing such concerns. An additional 20% fear termination, and 19% are worried about a reduction in working hours. 

Since 2021, the fear of becoming obsolete has notably increased, while other concerns remain below the peaks recorded during the last economic downturn between 2009 and 2013.