Economics Research Seminar – Dr Tom Lane, Dr Harry Pickard and Dr Matt Walker
The Economics Research Group welcomes Dr Tom Lane, Dr Harry Pickard and Dr Matt Walker.
They will present their work, entitled "No Silver Lining: Consumer Indifference Between Human and AI Production."
About the speakers
Dr Tom Lane, Dr Harry Pickard and Dr Matt Walker are researchers in economics exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, labour markets and behavioural decision-making.
Research abstract
Artificial intelligence can now produce outputs that were once the preserve of human labour. Yet well-documented algorithm aversion raises the possibility of consumer bias in favour of human-produced work.
This paper uses incentivised experimental auctions and state-of-the-art generative AI to compare consumer valuations for human- versus AI-created artworks.
We find no intrinsic favouritism towards human-created work in consumer valuations, suggesting bleak prospects for workers in AI-substitutable roles. However, demand for AI-created products varies with individuals’ attitudes toward AI, indicating that economies with stronger anti-AI sentiment may better sustain human labour.