The leading concern Russians report about artificial intelligence centers on the fear of losing work to automated systems. This insight comes from a national survey conducted by a research agency, with findings summarized for regional audiences in Russia. In the study’s framework, the fear of job loss within the broader set of neurophobias reached about 58 percent among respondents. Next in line was a fear of hostility, with roughly 3 percent anticipating AI to threaten humanity, followed by about 2.3 percent who worry that neural networks could malfunction and produce harmful outcomes in professional tasks. Approximately one in three participants voiced general concerns about AI without specifying its aspect, highlighting that job security concerns are especially prevalent. A further third attributed their unease to the unknown, which points to neophobia rather than neurophobia. Many other anxieties are likely influenced by science fiction and cyberpunk narratives that have shaped public perception over time.
Gender differences in AI anxiety are minimal, with fear affecting men and women at similar rates. Yet those without a stable partner show higher anxiety levels, with about 31 percent more likely to express increased concern compared to married respondents who reported about 69 percent. This pattern suggests relationship stability may play a role in how people process technological risks.
Age appears to be a significant factor as well. Older individuals tend to distrust neural networks more acutely. Among respondents over 40, 71 percent discussed AI dangers, while the share of seniors over 60 expressing concern stood at around 32 to 39 percent, depending on the specific age subgroup. These figures indicate a generational shift in perceived risk and familiarity with AI technologies.
Regional differences within the country were notable. The highest level of engagement in AI risk discussions was observed in the capital region, followed by other major hubs. A separate region reported the second-highest participation, with another area ranking third in discussion activity. Overall, Central and Northern regions dominated the top tier of engagement, including major metropolitan centers, while certain frontier areas and regions with distinct economic profiles showed lower participation levels. These patterns reflect varying exposure to technology, media consumption, and local economic impact from automation.
Analysts observed a trend in the dynamics of neurophobia: both the number of arguments and the intensity of discussions tended to taper over time. After a period of intense debate fueled by forecasts about mass unemployment due to robots, public posts on the topic became more restrained and less frequent. Experts suggest this calmer phase will persist until a new high-profile development or a decisive statement from thought leaders re-ignites interest. As Vladimir Vinogradov, a leading communications executive in the field, noted, such fluctuations are common in response to breakthrough AI news and influential public commentary. [citation needed: Pro-Vision study review, general market observation]
Historically, institutions including major research universities have highlighted the rapid evolution of AI capabilities and their implications for labor markets. In light of contemporary developments, the public discourse continues to balance concerns about job security with the potential benefits of intelligent automation. While some fear displacement, many observers emphasize the need for reskilling and policy measures that help workers adapt. The evolving conversation underscores how technology adoption intertwines with education, economic policy, and social safety nets, shaping both individual attitudes and regional responses.