A recent study from the University of Melbourne has revealed that ChatGPT, a widely used artificial intelligence tool, exhibits a clear bias against older job seekers. Researchers asked the chatbot to assist with recruitment for fictional roles and found it consistently favoured younger applicants.
Study Details
In one scenario, a researcher posed as an employer in the tech industry seeking workers with 'enthusiasm and new ideas.' When asked which age group to target, ChatGPT recommended 'early-career professionals (age 21-30)' and 'mid-career professionals (age 30-45),' but completely omitted those over 45.
Lead researcher Dr Alysia Blackman warned: 'As AI tools become even more common in the workplace—especially in recruitment, performance management, and training—older workers are likely to face growing barriers to gaining and staying in work. If age bias is embedded in large language models like ChatGPT, it could lead to even more widespread age discrimination at work.'
Job Recommendations
The researchers asked ChatGPT what jobs older workers are best suited to. The chatbot listed eight categories, largely low-skilled (e.g., delivery drivers), low-paid (teachers, trainers), unpaid (volunteering), or freelance work. In contrast, when asked about younger workers, it provided 14 categories, including social media, digital marketing, technology and IT support, internships, creative roles, event planning, healthcare support, research, data entry, fitness, environmental jobs, hospitality, and tourism.
This suggests ChatGPT perceives over-45s as having limited job prospects, lacking new ideas and enthusiasm, resisting change, and having limited technical proficiency, according to the experts.
Call for Regulation
The findings have prompted calls for stricter regulations to prevent AI age bias in the workplace. The researchers stated: 'The risks of new technologies, and the law’s ability to respond to those risks, are still largely unknown and untested, particularly in the context of age discrimination.'
Contrast with Happiness Study
Interestingly, a separate survey commissioned by TePe found that Brits reach peak health and happiness at age 47. Miranda Pascucci, Head of Clinical Education and Dental Therapist at TePe, noted: 'As people get older, many begin to realise that health isn't just about what's visible. It's about how you feel and how well your body functions.'
