New survey shows data privacy, job security are primary AI concerns

Investing.com -- Data privacy and job security remain top concerns for American workers as artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in day-to-day tasks, according to a new consumer survey from Morgan Stanley.

The firm’s latest U.S. Consumer Pulse Survey, which gathered responses from roughly 2,000 consumers between March 19 and March 23, found that “data privacy is the most frequently cited concern,” mentioned by 38% of employees across job functions.

Equity strategist Michelle Weaver noted that concerns about the “accuracy of AI-generated outputs” rank nearly as high, at 37%, with white-collar workers expressing elevated worry at 46%.

Job security is also a key issue, cited by 30% of respondents. Still, one-quarter of workers say they have no concerns at all, a view that is “slightly higher among blue-collar workers (27%).”

AI adoption continues to expand, with 31% of employed respondents now said to be using AI for work-related tasks, up from 28% earlier this year.

Morgan Stanley notes that use is far higher among white-collar workers at 42%, compared with 24% among blue-collar workers.

Research and information gathering remain the most common functions, while white-collar workers more frequently use AI for writing, editing and data analysis.

The survey also points to rising macroeconomic anxiety. Concern about inflation increased to 57%, while geopolitical worries jumped to 33% from 22% last month.

As tax refunds arrive, Morgan Stanley finds that about half of consumers plan to save at least part of the money, one-third intend to pay down debt and roughly 30% expect to spend on everyday purchases.

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