In a notable shift reflecting the rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the workplace, a significant portion of young people in Africa are expressing a growing preference for AI over human managers. A recent survey conducted by Kaspersky, a global cybersecurity and digital privacy firm, found that 40% of young respondents across Africa believe that AI would make a better boss than humans. This sentiment is even stronger in South Africa, where 42% of respondents indicated a preference for AI leadership. The survey, part of Kaspersky’s broader study titled "Excitement, Superstition, and Great Insecurity – How Global Consumers Engage with the Digital World," highlights the evolving role of AI in various aspects of life, particularly in management positions. The respondents who favored AI over human bosses cited the technology's perceived impartiality as a key advantage, suggesting that AI could bring a level of fairness and objectivity to decision-making that human managers might lack. This growing trust in AI is not limited to Africa. Globally, 34% of survey participants expressed a belief that AI could be a superior manager compared to humans. The report underscores the rapid advancements in AI technologies, particularly with the widespread adoption of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, which has seen massive global engagement since its launch. Vladislav Tushkanov, Manager of the Machine Learning Technology Research Group at Kaspersky, emphasized the expanding role of AI beyond traditional applications such as data processing and analysis. "We are witnessing the growing adoption of AI as a valuable tool, assisting people in diverse areas," Tushkanov said. He pointed out that AI is now being entrusted with more personal roles, including management, education, and even romantic relationships, signaling a profound shift in how humans interact with technology. The survey also revealed that AI is increasingly seen as a reliable companion in daily life, with 57% of global respondents indicating a willingness to use AI to manage their daily routines more efficiently. This trend is particularly pronounced in the META (Middle East, Turkey, and Africa) region, where 67% of respondents expressed this view, and in South Africa, where the figure stands at 60%. Moreover, AI’s potential in creative fields is being recognized, with 62% of global respondents, 59% in the META region, and 58% in South Africa acknowledging AI as a credible producer of works of art. The survey further highlights the potential of AI in education, with many respondents foreseeing a future where children are taught through virtual experiences and Metaverses. While the growing confidence in AI reflects its increasing integration into everyday life, Tushkanov cautioned against overreliance on AI, warning of sophisticated threats such as AI-generated phishing, deepfakes, and identity theft. These risks, he noted, are challenges that need to be addressed at multiple levels to ensure the safe and ethical deployment of AI technologies. As AI continues to embed itself in various facets of life, from managing teams to shaping personal relationships, the survey underscores a broader societal shift towards embracing AI's potential while remaining vigilant about its risks. The findings suggest that as AI technologies evolve, they will play an increasingly central role in shaping the future of work and personal life, particularly in regions like Africa, where digital transformation is accelerating at a rapid pace.
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