The youngest members of the U.S. workforce are becoming increasingly skeptical of artificial intelligence (AI), fearing that the development of the technology will lead to massive job losses, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center.
For the first time since the Pew survey began in 2021, a majority of adults under the age of 30 say they are more concerned about AI than excited about it. This aligns with the sentiments of the majority of other age groups, but the youngest cohort has noticeably shifted: from being the strongest supporters of AI’s potential, they have become one of the most skeptical groups regarding this technology. These findings come from a survey conducted in June. Nearly three-quarters of adults in this age category also believe that the technology will lead to a reduction in the number of available jobs. Two years ago, 61% of respondents held this view.
Complex relationship with technology
These findings further indicate the complex attitude of young Americans toward AI. They are among the most active and confident users of this technology, but at the same time, they are entering the job market at a time when AI threatens to reduce the number of entry-level positions that traditionally give young workers the opportunity to start their careers.
Their concerns are shared by members of other age groups: according to Pew, more than half of Americans say they are concerned about AI. At the same time, people who already have stable positions in the job market are increasingly positive about the technology, providing additional grounds for assumptions that AI may benefit workers with more experience.
AI’s impact on the job market
The exact impact of AI on employment in the U.S. is difficult to quantify, as the boom in technology adoption has coincided with a worsening economic situation. Additionally, AI can automate only parts of jobs, not entire positions. There are signs that hiring for entry-level positions has slowed, and American executives openly talk about reducing costs by automating parts of the work using AI.
Source: Bloomberg
