Marketplace Tech Workers aren't getting what they want from AI
Aug 25, 2025
In this discussion, Erik Brynjolfsson, a Stanford economist and director of the Stanford Digital Economy Lab, shares insights from a survey of 1,500 workers revealing their mixed feelings about AI. While many find it helpful for repetitive tasks, there's a clear desire for technology to offer more, particularly in creative roles. Brynjolfsson highlights the gap between worker expectations and AI capabilities, advocating for a balance that enhances collaboration and aligns technological advancements with human needs to ensure shared prosperity.
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Workers Want Different AI Than It Can Do
- Stanford survey found workers want AI for repetitive tasks but often want things machines can't do yet.
- Researchers used an AI voice agent to scale interviews and analyze preferences efficiently.
Mismatch Between Demand And Capability
- Demand for automation and machine capability were often uncorrelated in the survey results.
- Brynjolfsson suggests technologists should align development with what humans actually want.
Using An AI Agent To Interview Workers
- The team used an AI voice agent to conduct and transcribe interviews with about 1,500 workers.
- They guided the agent and used its transcripts to analyze worker preferences at scale.