Opinion Monitor Artificial Intelligence. The use of AI among working people–Differences between occupational groups, usage profiles, and perceptions of the consequences of AI in the workplace

This brief report presents the key findings of a segmentation study conducted in June 2025 as part of the Opinion Monitor Artificial Intelligence 3.0 (MeMo:KI 3.0) project. It analyzes the frequency of artificial intelligence (AI) use among 1,987 working people in Germany and its association with occupational classes, sociodemographic characteristics, and work-related attitudes. The results show clear differences between occupational classes based on the Oesch classification. Higher-skilled groups with technical or sociocultural work logic report regular AI use significantly more often. Lower usage rates, on the other hand, are found in occupational classes with lower formal qualifications or more standardized job profiles, such as skilled workers, skilled workers in the service sector, or employees in the commercial sector. Overall, it appears that a significant proportion of the working population has rarely or never worked with AI. More frequent AI use is associated with higher subjective AI competence and more positive affective attitudes toward AI in the workplace. Frequent users also rate the expected impact of AI on working conditions much more positively and report fewer negative affective and behavioral reactions to the introduction of AI in the workplace. Overall, the findings point to a digital divide in AI use along lines of age, education, and professional position.