PENNSYLVANIA — As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries, most Pennsylvanians are drawing a firm line between what machines can do and what they should do. A new survey from Trio.dev, which polled 4,012 respondents nationwide, found that 92% of Pennsylvanians believe some jobs should remain permanently human-led—no matter how advanced AI becomes.
Topping the list of professions that residents say should never be replaced are doctors and surgeons, followed closely by teachers and judges. Social workers and police officers rounded out the top five, reflecting widespread concern that empathy, judgment, and accountability cannot be replicated by algorithms.
Even as AI tools promise faster decisions and improved efficiency, public trust lags behind. Three-quarters of respondents said they trust human professionals more than AI systems when handling sensitive information. Another 75% believe artificial intelligence will make society riskier, not fairer.
When asked which human qualities AI could never duplicate, Pennsylvanians highlighted empathy (39%), common sense (22%), and ethical judgment (17%)—traits central to professions that rely on human connection and moral reasoning.
Despite the growing presence of AI in everyday life—from online chatbots to predictive software—residents remain cautious about letting machines assume high-stakes roles. Only 35% said they’d be comfortable allowing AI to manage 911 emergency calls, and the average comfort rating for AI making major life decisions was a modest 4 out of 10.
The findings reveal a clear preference for balance: 65% of Pennsylvanians said that even if AI could perform a task more accurately, they would still prefer a human to do it.
However, attitudes shift higher up the organizational ladder. Among Pennsylvania managers surveyed, one in four said they would replace employees with AI without hesitation—a stark contrast to the general public’s reluctance.
“Americans are saying something simple but powerful,” said Alex Kugell, co-founder and CTO of Trio.dev. “They don’t reject technology—they just want to keep people at the center of it. Managers may see numbers on a spreadsheet; workers see what’s at stake when empathy disappears.”
For now, the message from Pennsylvanians is clear: technology may evolve, but some professions—especially those built on human understanding—are not for robots.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.