An opinion poll commissioned by the World Economic Forum found that Indians are the world’s most optimistic people about technology.
While many acknowledge their job could be automated, more than two-thirds embrace technology and expect it to be easy to find new employment.
The poll, conducted among 10,000 respondents across 29 countries, found Indian respondents to be exceptional in terms of their optimism. Indian respondents exhibit greater trust in climate scientists and international organizations than people in other regions.
Indians are also some of the least sceptical in the world about the motives of technology companies: more than two-thirds reject the idea that technology companies “only want to make money,'' as per the survey prepared by SAP and Qualtrics in conjunction with this year’s India Economic Summit.
Compared to global averages, Indian respondents more often say that technology makes “personal relationships”, “society” and “jobs” better. When asked “Would you say that new technologies make your life better or worse?” India at 55% said “much better.” But Sub Saharan Africa was ahead of India at 60% and Latin America at 43%.
When it comes to the future of work, Indian respondents are embracing new technology, acknowledging that jobs may be jeopardized, but believe that a growing economy will continue to provide opportunities. India at 32% said almost all jobs would be taken away by robots, however Indians at 37% added getting another job tomorrow would be `extremely” easy.
“The rise of advanced technologies has the potential to create economic and social value, and bolster India’s goal of maintaining its growth momentum,” said Sriram Gutta, Head of Community Development, India and South Asia, World Economic Forum.
