Technologists upbeat about AI impact on their careers, but not on society

Artificial intelligence will shape the technology landscape of the 2020s, but unintended consequences pose big risks, according to a new report from ISACA, a technology professional association. The evolving relationship between AI, automation and humans is expected to create promising opportunities in the technology workforce, while simultaneously presenting sobering concerns for the general public, the study said. For its research, ISACA surveyed more than 5,000 business technology professionals, and found that respondents are significantly more optimistic about how technology advancements in the new decade will impact their career than they are about how it will impact society as a whole. Some 59 percent of respondents expressed optimism for the ramifications of AI on their careers, compared with only 40 percent who are similarly upbeat about the overall societal impact. From a workplace standpoint, respondents are optimistic that technological changes will both position their organizations for success and bolster their paychecks.