AI is feared globally as the destroyer of jobs

Pew Research has published a new global survey that sheds light on how people view AI, including its impact on jobs, life in general, and income inequality. The survey questioned 42,151 people across 37 countries from February 8th to May 13th — well ahead of recent apocalyptic warnings.

A majority sees AI as a threat to human employment. In 34 of the 37 countries surveyed, people are more likely to believe AI will lead to job losses over the next 20 years rather than create new ones. Worries run particularly high in wealthier countries like Australia (76 percent), South Korea (76 percent), and the US (71 percent). Not surprising, given Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei’s warning that AI could eliminate half of entry-level white-collar jobs.

In general, respondents are more likely to say AI will increase the gap between rich and poor. People from wealthier countries that lean left on the political spectrum tend to believe this the most.

Age also tends to impact viewpoints. Older people are more likely to be more concerned about AI’s impact on daily life than younger people. Younger adults (ages 18–34) are most likely to have mixed feelings about AI and how it will shape the world they’ve inherited. They’re also growing increasingly anxious.

In countries like Sweden, Poland, Japan, Australia, Brazil, and the US, concern among younger demographics has risen sharply over the past year, making them more worried about AI-driven job loss and inequality as older generations in countries like the US and Sweden.

Nevertheless, public sentiment captured by the Pew survey is not wholly negative. Despite economic fears, a global median of 41 percent report feeling equally concerned and excited about AI’s growing presence in daily life, compared to 37 percent who are primarily concerned and just 13 percent who are primarily excited.