Key facts
- Over 25% of Morgan Stanley's North American summer interns used prediction market apps in the past year.
- Kalshi and Polymarket were the most frequently used prediction market platforms.
- 68% of interns reported daily use of AI tools, up from 35% last year.
- Interns primarily use AI for learning, drafting, editing, and summarizing.
- A majority of interns are concerned that AI could replace finance jobs.
A survey of over 500 North American summer interns at Morgan Stanley revealed that more than a quarter have used prediction market apps in the past year, with Kalshi and Polymarket being the most popular choices. This usage aligns with broader adult population trends, though younger demographics show higher engagement.
The survey, conducted in June and published in August, also highlighted the rapid adoption of AI tools among interns. Sixty-eight percent reported daily AI use, a significant jump from previous years, with primary applications in learning, drafting, and summarizing information. Despite the enthusiasm for AI, a majority of interns expressed concern about potential job displacement in the finance industry and other sectors.
Interns also showed a notable interest in humanoid robots, with over 60% expressing some level of interest in owning one. While predictions about robots replacing human jobs have slightly decreased from the previous year, anxieties about the economic impact of automation and competition remain evident in written responses.
The findings suggest a generation grappling with rapid technological advancements and economic uncertainties, seeking stability while navigating a landscape increasingly shaped by AI and automation.