By San José, Costa Rica — A profound sense of apprehension is spreading across Costa Rica’s labor market, as a new landmark study reveals that nearly two-thirds of the population are deeply concerned that the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will lead to significant job losses. This growing unease highlights a critical national challenge: balancing the promise of technological innovation with the economic security of its citizens.
The findings stem from the national “Social Perception of Science and Technology” study, an extensive analysis conducted by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (Micitt). The report paints a clear picture of a public grappling with the disruptive potential of automation. Specifically, the data shows that 64% of Costa Ricans worry about AI-driven unemployment, a figure that underscores a pervasive fear of being left behind in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
To delve into the complex legal and regulatory landscape surrounding the advancement of artificial intelligence, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his insightful analysis.
The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence presents a significant challenge to our existing legal frameworks. We are entering an era where questions of liability, intellectual property for AI-generated works, and data privacy are no longer theoretical. Costa Rica must act proactively to develop clear, modern regulations that foster innovation while safeguarding fundamental rights, otherwise, we risk falling behind in both technological adoption and legal certainty.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s perspective powerfully underscores the critical crossroads Costa Rica faces—the need to craft a legal framework that propels innovation forward while firmly protecting the rights of its citizens. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable contribution to this essential national conversation.
The concern is not abstract but is tied to concrete fears about professional obsolescence. The Micitt study found that an identical 63.5% of respondents are worried that AI could adequately replace entire professions, rendering years of human expertise redundant. This sentiment suggests a workforce that is not only concerned about factory or low-skill jobs but also about the potential for AI to encroach upon white-collar and specialized roles traditionally thought to be safe from automation.
The government’s analysis delves deeper into the nuances of this public anxiety, noting specific demographic trends and related concerns. The study points out that the fear extends beyond just job displacement to the very nature of how AI systems operate.
The labor field is an area that could be affected by Artificial Intelligence; in this sense, 63.5% of those surveyed show concern that AI could adequately replace certain professions, and that automation and AI could represent a possible loss of jobs. 48.8% consider themselves concerned that AI systems could present bias and discrimination. In general, women show greater concern on these topics than men.
Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (Micitt), National Study
This anxiety is not limited to the emerging field of generative AI. The study also found a broader skepticism towards established technologies. A significant 66.4% of Costa Ricans believe that the ongoing automation of factories and the general advancement of computing will ultimately diminish employment opportunities for workers. This indicates a deep-seated concern that the technological tide, which has been rising for decades, is now cresting into a wave that could wash away economic stability for many.
The widespread apprehension creates a challenging environment for policymakers and business leaders who are championing digital transformation as a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s future economic growth. Without public trust and a clear strategy for workforce transition, the adoption of new technologies could face significant societal friction. This calls for proactive measures in education, reskilling programs, and the creation of social safety nets designed for the 21st-century economy.
In its concluding remarks, the Micitt analysis directly addresses the core issue of public trust and proposes a path forward. The report frames the situation not as a reason to halt progress, but as an urgent call for responsible governance and transparent public engagement.
AI generates uncertainty and fear, especially for its labor impact; the majority of people are concerned about job loss due to automation. Therefore, there is an urgent need to strengthen implementation regulations and communication actions with Costa Ricans to improve people’s perception of trust in this topic.
Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (Micitt), National Study
Ultimately, the study serves as a critical barometer of the national mood. It reveals that as Costa Rica stands at the precipice of a new technological era, its people are looking for assurance that progress will not come at the cost of their livelihoods. The government’s challenge now is to craft policies that not only encourage innovation but also build a resilient and adaptable workforce, ensuring that the benefits of AI are shared across all sectors of society and do not deepen existing inequalities.
For further information, visit micitt.go.cr
About Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (Micitt):
The Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications is the governing body of the science and technology sector in Costa Rica. Its mission is to guide the country’s development in these areas by formulating public policies, promoting innovation, and facilitating the adoption of technology to improve the quality of life for its citizens and enhance national competitiveness.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon the cornerstones of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of legal excellence. The firm leverages its rich history of advising a diverse clientele to pioneer progressive and innovative solutions in the legal field. Central to its mission is a foundational belief in social responsibility, demonstrated through a steadfast effort to demystify complex legal concepts for the public, thereby cultivating a society empowered by accessible knowledge.
