Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): Studia Humanitatis Journal
Articles: monographic section

Perception of Automation and Artificial Intelligence at Work. An Analysis of Occupational Differences

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  • Salvador Manzanera-Román ,
  • Gabriel López-Martínez
Salvador Manzanera-Román
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7008-2193 (unauthenticated) University of Murcia image/svg+xml

Bio
Gabriel López-Martínez
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8258-7260 (unauthenticated) University of Alicante image/svg+xml

Bio
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33732/shj.v6i2.191

Published 2026-07-31

Keywords

  • Automation,
  • Artificial Intelligence,
  • Work,
  • Occupations,
  • Perception

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Creative Commons License

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Abstract

In a context of increasing automation driven by artificial intelligence, this article analyzes how different occupational groups in Spain perceive these technological changes. Digital transformation generates divergent expectations, ranging from fears of job displacement to the identification of new productive opportunities. Using a quantitative methodology based on contingency table analysis and multiple correspondence analysis, data from the Center for Sociological Research Social Trends and Artificial Intelligence surveys released in 2025 are examined. The results reveal a clear occupational gradient. While high-skilled occupations and managerial profiles tend to associate AI with job creation and complementarity, workers in elementary and manual occupations express widespread pessimism linked to job destruction. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that the perception of technological risk is socially structured and conditioned by the worker's position in the labor hierarchy and their educational level.
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