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Consumers concerned about AI fraud and impact on jobs

People are worried about the negative impacts of artificial intelligence but a growing number - particularly among younger workers - are planning to use the technology
People are worried about the negative impacts of artificial intelligence but a growing number - particularly among younger workers - are planning to use the technology

A sizable majority of people here are worried about how artificial intelligence could impact their bank balances and livelihood, according to a new survey.

The latest Reflecting Ireland survey from PTSB and Core Research found that 68% of people think AI will lead to more sophisticated fraud over the next year.

A similar proportion - 71% - are concerned about what it means for their job security.

"We're seeing a significant increase in the number of people who are concerned that AI could lead to more sophisticated financial fraud," said Leontia Fannin is chief sustainability and corporate affairs officer at PTSB.

"We're also seeing an increase in the number of people who are concerned about the impact AI is going to have on job security. That's up five percentage poins across all age groups," she said.

Concerns about AI's impact on jobs is particularly pronounced among younger people, according to the survey.

Among those aged 18 to 24 years old, 80% are concerned about AI's impact on job security. That compares to 72% of people aged 45 to 54 years old.

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At the same time, though, more people are looking to use the technology in the coming year - with 55% now saying they would adopt it into their regular working habit.

Again, this is more pronounced among younger people.

Meanwhile, the survey found that men are more likely to see an opportunity in AI than women.

"What we're seeing is twice as many males seeing it as an opportunity more than a threat, less so for females," said Ms Fannin. "So maybe that is pointing to an emerging gender gap when it comes to AI and technology adoption over the months ahead."

But while concerns around AI are growing, it is far from the top of the list of concerns among consumers.

The cost of living continues to be the most cited issue facing consumers, according to this survey, followed by housing and homelessness.

"When people are looking at their own personal situation, the quality and standard of healthcare is very important for people, it's the number one issue at the moment," she said. "Availability and price of housing and of course pensions comes in at number three.

"Possibly due to the focus on auto-enrolment over the last couple of months, so it's certainly top of mind for people at the moment."

Given the time of year people are also thinking about what habits they would like to change or improve in 2026.

The survey shows many of the usual New Years resolutions remain popular - including eating better and seeing friends and family more.

However it also shows that many - especially younger people - are rethinking their smartphone and social media habits.

"So that 18 to 25 year old group, about 60% of them are saying they're going to cut down on social media and screen time,", said Ms Fannin.

"That's possibly an indication of that younger demographic setting new boundaries with regards to their own social media and phone usage time," she added.