Stanford University: The Labor Market Effects of Generative Artificial Intelligence

Summary of https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5136877

This research paper explores the impact of Generative AI on the labor market. A new survey analyzes the use of these tools, finding that they are most commonly used by younger, more educated, and higher-income individuals in specific industries.

The study finds that approximately 30% of respondents have used Generative AI at work. It investigates the efficiency gains from using Generative AI and its role in job searches. The paper aims to measure the large-scale labor market effects of Generative AI and the wage structure impacts of such tools. Finally, the researchers intend to continue tracking Generative AI and its effect on the labor market in real-time.

Here are the key takeaways regarding the labor market effects of Generative AI, according to the source:

• As of December 2024, 30.1% of survey respondents over 18 have used Generative AI at work since these tools became available to the public.
• Generative AI tools are most commonly used by younger, more educated, and higher-income individuals, as well as those in customer service, marketing, and IT.
• A survey found that workers use generative AI for about one-third of their work week, which is equivalent to an average of 7 tasks per week. Generative AI has been used to assist workers in doing tasks more quickly.
• Workers using Generative AI spend approximately 30 minutes interacting with the tool to complete a task, which they estimate would take 90 minutes without it, suggesting that Generative AI can potentially triple worker productivity.
• The impact of LLMs can be a substitute for some forms of labor while also acting as a productivity-enhancing complement for other forms of labor.