Roughly one in five Russians, about 22 percent, express a fear that advanced artificial intelligence could jeopardize their future, a concern tied to the idea of a Skynet-like scenario popularized by science fiction. This sentiment comes from a nationwide survey conducted by Art Engineering, a domestic producer focused on telecommunications infrastructure solutions. The fear reflects a broader worry about how rapid AI development might alter job markets, personal security, and the social fabric in the years ahead.
Among those who fear AI, eight percent worry that machines will lead to widespread unemployment, while the remaining 14 percent describe their concern as a fear of robotization itself. In other words, some respondents associate AI with job loss, whereas others fear the deeper process by which automated systems replace routine tasks and decision-making traditionally performed by humans. These distinctions matter because they shape how people think about potential policy responses, retraining opportunities, and the pace at which new technologies should be integrated into everyday life.
Artem Senyushkin, commercial director at Art Engineering, offers context for these fears by pointing to two distinct economic trajectories. He suggests that the growing artificial intelligence sector will require robust infrastructure, open pathways for new job roles, and the emergence of fresh specializations. He emphasizes that robotization, while related to automation, operates in a separate industrial sphere with its own set of challenges and opportunities. His remarks underline a common tension: how to balance innovation with the protection of workers and the economy as AI capabilities expand across sectors.
At the same time, the survey reveals a notable layer of optimism. About 47 percent of Russians express a positive view of how AI technologies will unfold. Within this group, more than 23 percent believe neural networks can drive economic development by boosting productivity and enabling new business models, while 9 percent anticipate that AI will help address shortages of skilled personnel. An additional 14 percent foresee neural networks reducing routine, repetitive tasks and thereby freeing people to engage in more meaningful, creative work. Taken together, these attitudes illustrate a belief that AI can catalyze growth and improve daily life, provided proper implementation and support systems are in place.
A further portion of the population—roughly 32 percent—remains neutral about AI’s development in Russia. This cohort is typically described as pragmatic: they are open to innovations but not wedded to them, waiting to see practical benefits, costs, and safeguards before forming a strong opinion. This readiness to adapt is often cited as a sign of resilience in the face of rapid technological change, signaling that many are prepared to accept beneficial innovations as long as risks are understood and managed responsibly.
The survey, conducted in November 2023, included 2,463 Russians aged 18 and older. The sample size provides a broad snapshot of public sentiment, though, like any poll, it reflects opinions at a point in time rather than a fixed forecast. The data indicate a landscape in which concerns about AI and robotization coexist with optimism about productivity gains and new job opportunities, highlighting the importance of policy measures that support retraining, safety nets, and equitable access to the benefits of automation.
In a broader context, discussions about artificial intelligence and its role in society often hinge on questions of governance, ethics, and workforce preparation. The findings from this survey echo similar debates taking place in other regions, including North America, where businesses and individuals weigh the potential of AI to enhance efficiency against the need to protect livelihoods and prevent disruption. Experts frequently argue that a well-designed AI ecosystem requires transparent standards, investment in education and training, and collaboration between government, industry, and workers to ensure that technology serves broad public interests rather than narrow corporate aims.
— The prior statement about artificial intelligence being denied the right to be considered an inventor remains a separate, unrelated note and is not part of the current survey conclusions. The focus here is on public sentiment, economic expectations, and the social implications of AI development as observed in the Russian context.