People in 34 of 37 countries are more likely to expect artificial intelligence to eliminate jobs than create them over the next 20 years, according to a new Pew Research survey. The study questioned 42,151 adults between February 8 and May 13.
Concern was especially high in several wealthier economies. Seventy-six percent of respondents in Australia and South Korea expected net job losses, as did 71% in the United States. Across countries, respondents were also more likely to predict that AI would widen the gap between rich and poor rather than reduce it.
Age does not produce a simple optimistic-versus-pessimistic divide. Older adults generally expressed more concern about AI’s effect on daily life, while people aged 18 to 34 were most likely to report mixed feelings. In countries including Sweden, Poland, Japan, Australia, Brazil and the US, anxiety among younger respondents has risen over the past year.
The survey does not predict actual employment outcomes; it measures public expectations before several recent warnings from AI industry leaders. Overall sentiment was not wholly negative. A global median of 41% said they felt equally concerned and excited about AI in daily life, compared with 37% who were mainly concerned and 13% who were mainly excited.