A new survey suggests a widespread knowledge gap in the tech sector when it comes to artificial intelligence, with 79% of workers admitting they pretend to know more about AI than they actually do — and that number rises to 91% among C-suite executives.
The findings come from Pluralsight’s second annual AI Skills Report, released Tuesday, which examined the state of AI understanding and training among 1,200 technology professionals and decision-makers in the U.S. and U.K.
Despite near-universal agreement among executives (95%) that AI skills are essential for job security, the report reveals a disconnect between perception and reality. Chris McClellen, Pluralsight’s chief product and technology officer, said the results reflect growing uncertainty and pressure around the use of AI in the workplace.
“Employees are quietly worried that using AI in their daily routine looks lazy,” McClellen said. “In this paradigm, organizations need to empower their workforce with AI training to truly drive innovation, enhance productivity, and stay competitive in the evolving digital landscape.”
Executives lead in overstatement
While employees across all levels reported exaggerating their AI expertise, executives were the most likely to do so. According to the survey, 91% of executives acknowledged overstating their knowledge, compared to 79% of employees overall.
To address the issue, more than half of surveyed organizations said they are offering AI training programs aimed at closing the skills gap and preparing staff for evolving job requirements.
AI anxiety persists
Fears of being replaced by AI also remain high. The report found that 90% of respondents believe it is at least somewhat likely their roles could be automated — a 19% increase over last year’s findings.
While 49% of organizations have added AI-related roles, many are also planning for AI-driven staff reductions by 2030. Departments expected to be most affected include analytics, content creation, billing, marketing, and sales, according to the report.
Skills seen as critical for survival
Tech workers are increasingly aware that staying relevant means staying current. A growing majority — 91%, up from 74% last year — expressed concern that their skills could soon become obsolete due to the rise of AI.
Employers appear to agree. Half of the organizations surveyed listed AI capabilities as “highly preferred” in hiring, and 20% marked them as “mandatory.” Additionally, 84% said they would consider replacing or outsourcing roles if internal candidates lack AI competencies.
The report emphasizes that despite uncertainty and fear, the pathway forward for tech workers is clear: learning AI is no longer optional.
