Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Young Americans Grow More Concerned About AI’s Future
A new survey says many Americans are becoming more worried about artificial intelligence.
Young adults are especially concerned, with more than half saying they feel more concerned than excited.
Many people also think AI could reduce the number of available jobs.
Companies that build AI say the technology can make businesses more productive and create new opportunities.
They are spending enormous amounts of money on AI systems and data centers.
Some new AI jobs are growing quickly and paying much more than typical jobs.
However, people worry about higher electricity costs, environmental damage, and rising prices.
The survey shows that public concern is growing even as technology companies continue investing heavily in AI.
Pew found 55% of U.S. adults under 30 feel more concerned than excited about AI, up from 39% two years earlier.
Across all age groups, 52% of U.S. adults said they are more concerned than excited about AI, compared with 37% in 2021.
The share of Americans who expect AI to reduce job opportunities rose to 71%, from 64% in 2024.
AI companies have invested more than $1 trillion in projects and infrastructure over the past three years.
LinkedIn reported that U.S. AI job postings have roughly doubled since 2023, with typical advertised compensation of about $177,000.
- Who
- The Pew Research Center surveyed U.S. adults, while technology companies and AI workers are central to the broader discussion.
- What
- Research found declining enthusiasm and rising concern about AI, especially over its possible effect on jobs.
- When
- Pew conducted the survey from June 22 to June 28, 2026; comparisons include data from 2021 and 2024.
- Where
- The main survey covered adults in the United States, while the article also discusses global sentiment and U.S. AI jobs.
- Why
- Concern is increasing because people fear job losses, higher electricity costs, environmental harm, and more expensive goods and services.
Public Concerns
Industry Optimism
Effect on employment
Public Concerns
Many Americans believe AI will reduce job opportunities; 71% expressed this view in the Pew survey.
Industry Optimism
Technology companies argue that AI will create jobs and deliver productivity gains for businesses and consumers.
Economic benefits
Public Concerns
Critics question who will benefit from the AI boom and worry that traditional jobs and degrees may become less relevant.
Industry Optimism
The growth of AI engineering roles and their higher compensation is presented as evidence of new opportunities, particularly for millennials and Gen-Z.
AI investment model
Public Concerns
The article raises concerns about the sustainability and risks of circular financing among major technology companies.
Industry Optimism
Companies continue investing heavily in AI, reflecting their confidence in the technology’s future potential.
- Survey organization
- Pew Research Center
- Survey sample
- 3,488 U.S. adults
- Young adults concerned
- 55% of adults under 30 felt more concerned than excited about AI
- Overall concern
- 52% of U.S. adults felt more concerned than excited
- Expected job impact
- 71% believed AI would lead to fewer job opportunities
- AI investment
- Companies including Nvidia, Google, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, and Oracle spent more than $1 trillion on AI projects and infrastructure in three years
- AI job compensation
- Typical U.S. AI job postings listed about $177,000 in compensation, compared with $80,000 for non-AI roles