Impact of AI on Specific Demographics

A small retail business owner named Laura in Texas recently adopted AI to streamline her inventory system. At first, she was hopeful that the technology would save her time. However, she quickly noticed that the AI system couldn't account for local shopping habits, leading to overstocked shelves. Her suppliers used AI too, but it was optimized for larger cities, not her small town. As a result, Laura faced higher costs due to unsold products. This is a common challenge that AI poses to certain demographics—especially small business owners in local or rural areas.

Impact on Older Adults

Older adults are both a group that benefits from AI and one that faces unique challenges. AI can provide assistance in the form of virtual healthcare, which allows seniors to consult with doctors remotely. In fact, a report from AARP shows that 53% of older adults are interested in using AI for health management, like medication reminders and symptom tracking¹. However, adoption is still low, particularly among those aged 65 and older, with only 13% regularly using such technologies². This slow adoption is often linked to lack of familiarity with new tools, access issues, or simply discomfort with change.

Effect on Low-Income Workers

AI also has a distinct impact on low-income workers. Studies have shown that automation, including AI, threatens jobs that require routine tasks. According to a McKinsey report, about 39% of jobs in the U.S. could be automated by AI and other technologies by 2030, and lower-wage workers in industries like retail, food service, and transportation are at higher risk³. This demographic tends to have fewer resources to retrain or transition into new jobs, creating a cycle of job displacement and financial instability. On the other hand, AI can also help improve wages in certain sectors by boosting productivity, but the gap between high- and low-wage earners could widen⁴.

Conclusion

AI is reshaping the landscape for various groups in society. While it offers clear benefits in areas like healthcare and business management, certain demographics—such as older adults and low-income workers—face more challenges than others. Balancing these disparities will be critical as the technology continues to evolve.

References

¹ AARP, "Older Adults and Technology," 2021. ² AARP, "Technology Usage Among Older Adults," 2020. ³ McKinsey & Company, "The Future of Work in America," 2017. ⁴ McKinsey & Company, "How AI Could Impact Wages and Employment," 2019.