Mena leads world in AI jobs optimism as calls for regulation grow
People in the Global South are significantly more optimistic than those in wealthier economies about artificial intelligence creating jobs, even as growing enthusiasm for the technology is accompanied by overwhelming demands for tighter regulation, a new study has found. About 43 per cent of respondents in the Global South disagree that AI will create more quality jobs than it destroys, compared…
The Global South shows significantly greater optimism about artificial intelligence creating quality jobs compared to wealthier economies, according to a new study. Around 43% of respondents in the Global South believe AI will create more quality jobs than it destroys, while 70% in the Global North hold this view. In the Middle East and North Africa, 66% of respondents in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Morocco share this optimism, compared to just 27% in Europe and 33% in North America.
Despite this enthusiasm, 85% worldwide support a global regulatory framework to ensure greater human oversight over AI. The report, conducted by the Future Investment Initiative Institute, surveyed over 61,000 people across 32 countries. A consistent demand for human control on emerging technologies is evident across all regions.
Africa exhibited the highest acceptance of cryptocurrencies, with 81% of respondents, followed by the Mena countries at 71%. The Global South's overall score was 69%, more than double the 30% score of the Global North, with Europe scoring the lowest at 28%. Inflation remains the primary concern, but energy and fuel costs have risen to be the next biggest worry, particularly in the Global North.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.