According to a report by foreign media fastcompany, Generation Z is rapidly adapting to the rapidly changing job market, but the issue of gender disparity in artificial intelligence still plagues this group of workers about to enter the workforce. According to a survey by Slack Workforce Lab, men aged 18 to 29 are more likely to try artificial intelligence technology than women, creating a gender gap in AI. Slack's research found that men are more likely to try AI technology at work, accounting for 35% of the 10,000 desk workers surveyed, while women accounted for only 29%.
Additionally, the survey also identified that Generation Z men are more likely to try artificial intelligence technology than Generation Z women, with a gender gap of 25%. This gender gap is the most significant among all generations. This disparity is particularly concerning as AI is fundamentally transforming the workplace. Furthermore, the latest data from LinkedIn suggests that AI is more likely to replace women's jobs compared to men. A global analysis of LinkedIn user data found that only 43% of men are likely to be affected by AI job disruptions, while the figure for women is 57%. Therefore, those who are less likely to try AI may become the most likely to be replaced by it.
Theresa Fesinstine, founder of AI-focused HR consultancy peoplepower.ai, uses her platform to educate women about the use of AI in the workplace. She believes that a lack of education is one of the reasons for the AI gender gap. Therefore, she recommends providing specialized learning opportunities for those who are more often in positions held by women, such as administrative staff, office managers, and HR directors. Fesinstine also believes that for women, asking for new technology training can be difficult, so she advocates for providing specialized learning opportunities. Despite the gender gap, Generation Z remains enthusiastic about AI technology. According to Slack's survey, 55% of workers aged 18 to 29 expressed excitement about the automation of work by AI, while only 33% of workers aged 60 and above felt the same. Yvette Wolfe, chair of Booz Allen's Women in AI organization, is not surprised by Generation Z's continued enthusiasm for AI technology, stating that for them, technology feels more natural and aligns with their understanding. Although some in Generation Z may eagerly hope for AI to assist them in their jobs, recent research has also captured a concerning tension. According to a May 2024 study by Deloitte, 59% of Generation Z and Millennial workers believe AI will lead to unemployment. When focusing on frequent users of AI, this figure rises to 71%. Although Generation Z may be the most active users of AI in the workplace, they also worry that the technology will completely replace their jobs.
The gender gap in AI technology could have a significant impact on gender equality, potentially hindering some women from breaking through the glass ceiling in leadership and exacerbating existing gender pay gaps. Additionally, the disparity in AI use could intensify gender biases present in AI models, which are trained based on user input. Therefore, these leaders also believe that women's use of AI tools will influence future AI models. Thus, AI knowledge is increasingly becoming a necessary skill for women entering the workforce. In this regard, leaders emphasize the urgency of eliminating the AI gender gap.