Beyond automation: Understanding unemployment in the AI Epoch from a global viewpoint

<p dir="ltr">This study examines the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications on the subjective well-being of the unemployed, analyzing a data set comprising 179,504 global citizens spanning from 1981 to 2022. Employing a high-dimensional fixed-effect estimator, we assess how different intensities and scales of AI deployment across various national contexts correlate with life satisfaction and happiness. Our findings indicate that rapid and unprepared AI integrations tend to amplify the negative effects of unemployment on subjective well-being and exacerbate inequalities, particularly among the most vulnerable populations. Conversely, in the context where AI applications are well-planned and gradual, the negative impacts are mitigated, which suggests the importance of considering the social and regulatory contexts of AI applications. Furthermore, our results suggest that cautious and thoughtful AI applications can potentially cushion vulnerable populations from the adverse impacts of job displacement. Moreover, enhancing public engagement and transparency in AI policies can contribute to reducing the socio-economic divides exacerbated by rapid technological changes. This study underscores the necessity for policymaking frameworks that foster equitable AI applications and integration with socio-economic development, ensuring that advancements in AI do not widen existing social disparities but rather promote social inclusivity and well-being.<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451958825002866" target="_blank"><br></a></p>