AI consultant Török Balázs conducted a survey between March 19 and May 14, 2026, polling 700 respondents. The study is not representative: responses mainly came from service and technology sectors, i.e. knowledge-intensive areas, so its findings primarily reflect those segments.
Key finding: job losses within acquaintances
Approximately one in six respondents — 17.1 percent — reported knowing someone who lost a job recently due to artificial intelligence or robots. The survey does not provide details on which industries or positions were affected.
Gender differences in AI use
The study reveals substantial gender gaps in AI usage and self-assessed skill levels:
- 53 percent of male respondents described their AI expertise as advanced or expert, while the same proportion among female respondents was 22 percent.
- Nearly 40 percent of female respondents rated themselves as only at a basic or beginner level in using AI tools.
These differences may reflect disparities in access to technology, training opportunities, and workplace roles.
Productivity and time savings
Among users who reported saving 10–40 hours per week thanks to AI, there were nearly eight times as many men as women. This suggests that larger productivity gains from AI are currently realized predominantly by male users.
Investment in AI tools — who pays and who doesn’t
The survey also highlights differences in willingness to pay for AI services:
- 52 percent of female respondents said they do not spend anything on AI applications or subscriptions.
- Among men, that share was 37 percent.
According to the data, men are more likely to experiment with new solutions and to pay for advanced features or multiple services simultaneously.
Effect of training
Török Balázs notes that respondents who received structured AI training reported higher shares of saved work time compared with those who learned and used tools without organised support. This indicates that formal training enhances the effectiveness of AI tools and can increase workplace competitiveness.
Why this matters for the labor market
The survey author argues that artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important competitiveness factor: workers who use AI confidently, improve their skills and have access to training are likely to gain advantages. At the same time, the observed gender gaps and differences in investment suggest that AI-driven benefits are not evenly distributed.
Summary
From this 700-person, non-representative sample: 17.1 percent know someone who lost a job due to AI or robotics; there are pronounced gender gaps in AI skills, spending on tools and reported time savings; and structured training is associated with larger time savings. These findings are relevant for planning workforce adaptation and training priorities.
