Which of the following is an example of automation and a potential negative impact?

Automated customer service that reduces staff is an example of automation that illustrates a potential negative impact. While automation can significantly enhance efficiency and streamline operations, it can lead to job displacement as fewer human employees may be needed to handle customer inquiries. This reduction in staff can not only affect individual livelihoods but also have broader implications for the economy, including reduced job opportunities in areas where customer service roles were previously prevalent.

In this scenario, the benefits of speed and potentially improved customer satisfaction come at the cost of employment, highlighting a common concern associated with advancements in automation technologies. Other options, while showcasing automation, do not emphasize a similar negative impact on employment or societal structure in the same way. Automated toll booths improve traffic flow, robots in manufacturing enhance productivity, and self-driving cars can improve safety, all focusing primarily on positive outcomes without prominently featuring job loss or economic detriment.