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Pew Survey Finds Young Adults Increasingly Fear AI Job Losses
Pew Research Center asked people in 37 countries what they think AI will do.
Many people believe AI could make work and learning easier.
But many are also worried that machines could reduce the number of jobs.
Young adults are especially worried in several countries, including India.
In the United States, more young adults now feel concerned than excited about AI.
Young Americans also worry that AI could make the gap between rich and poor bigger.
People who know more about AI are sometimes more worried about job losses, not less.
Older adults are more concerned than young adults in some countries, so age is not the only factor.
Overall, people see both useful possibilities and serious risks in AI.
Pew Research Center surveyed adults in 37 countries about AI’s effects on jobs, inequality and daily life.
Adults aged 18 to 34 were more likely than those 50 and older to predict job losses in countries including India, Canada, France, Singapore, Sweden, Indonesia and Malaysia.
In the United States, the share of young adults more concerned than excited about AI rose from 40% in 2024 to 55% in 2026.
Younger Americans were more likely than older adults to say AI would increase inequality, by 56% to 38%.
Overall, people expressed mixed feelings: 41% were equally concerned and excited about AI, while 37% were more concerned than excited.
- Who
- Pew Research Center surveyed adults, including people aged 18 to 34 and those aged 50 and older, across 37 countries.
- What
- The survey examined public views of AI’s effects on jobs, economic inequality and society.
- Where
- The survey covered 37 countries, with notable findings involving India, the United States and several other countries.
- When
- The report compares attitudes over time, including changes in the United States from 2024 to 2026.
- Why
- The survey sought to understand whether people are more concerned or excited about AI and how they expect it to affect employment and inequality.
AI opportunities
AI concerns
Effect on work
AI opportunities
AI may make work faster and provide new tools for learning, careers and creativity.
AI concerns
AI may reduce the number of jobs, particularly affecting people entering or building careers.
Economic effects
AI opportunities
AI could create significant economic gains and new opportunities.
AI concerns
Those gains may not be shared equally and could widen the gap between rich and poor.
Public attitude
AI opportunities
Many people remain excited about AI or feel equally excited and concerned about it.
AI concerns
A substantial share is primarily concerned, with concern rising sharply among young adults in the United States.
Key facts
- Survey scope
- Adults in 37 countries
- Young-adult age group
- Ages 18 to 34
- Older comparison group
- Ages 50 and above
- U.S. concern level
- 55% of adults aged 18 to 34 were more concerned than excited about AI in 2026, up from 40% in 2024
- U.S. inequality concern
- 56% of adults under 35 said AI would increase the gap between rich and poor, compared with 38% of adults aged 50 and above
- Global mixed feelings
- A median 41% were equally concerned and excited, while 37% were more concerned than excited
- Job-loss concern
- Around seven in 10 adults or more in Australia, South Korea and the United States believed AI would lead to fewer jobs
Sources
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