Automation as an Equalizer: How Easy‐to‐Use Technologies Narrow Skill Gaps Between Low‐ and High‐Skilled Workers

Shahab Sharfaei & Nopadol Rompho

Journal of Economic Surveys2026https://doi.org/10.1111/joes.70072article
AJG 2ABDC A
Weight
0.37

Abstract

This paper investigates the labor market effects of the two most disruptive technologies of the past decade–industrial robots and artificial intelligence (AI). By reviewing the empirical literature and discussing existing models, we explore how these technologies affect workers based on their level of skills. The reviewed studies indicate that, contrary to popular belief, AI use does not hurt workers, including the low‐skilled. On the contrary, the ease of using these technologies, particularly the more recent iterations of AI and large language models (LLMs), makes them complimentary to the low‐skilled workforce, enabling them to reach productivity levels closer to those of high skilled workers. This implies that the concerns about systemic AI‐driven job displacements are not strongly supported by the recently emergent empirical evidence.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/joes.70072

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@article{shahab2026,
  title        = {{Automation as an Equalizer: How Easy‐to‐Use Technologies Narrow Skill Gaps Between Low‐ and High‐Skilled Workers}},
  author       = {Shahab Sharfaei & Nopadol Rompho},
  journal      = {Journal of Economic Surveys},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/joes.70072},
}

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Evidence weight

0.37

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.16 × 0.4 = 0.06
M · momentum0.53 × 0.15 = 0.08
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.