Peace or menace? Robots and social conflict

Abstract

In recent decades, China has experienced technological changes, primarily in the form of industrial robots. There is growing fear that the use of robots will threaten human society. Do robots threaten peace and stability in human society? To answer this question, this study explored the direct link between robot exposure and social stability. We exploited China's unique social conflict data to discuss the impact of its robot exposure rate on social conflict. We also provided micro-level intermediate mechanisms using individual micro-survey data. We found that robot use significantly reduces the likelihood of social conflict. Further, the social conflict reduction effect of robots occurs mainly through the reduction of work stress and improvement of workers' work sentiments. Simultaneously, we found that, in general, the use of robots did not cause mass unemployment.