Pew: In 34 out of 37 countries, AI Seen as a Threat to Jobs

According to a survey conducted by Pew Research between February 8 and May 13, involving 42,151 people across 37 countries, a majority fears job losses related to AI. Concerns peak in Australia, South Korea, and the United States, while many anticipate a widening of inequalities. Young people express mixed feelings and increasing anxiety, with a global median of 41% reporting both excitement and concern about AI in their daily lives.

Majority Ambivalence and Growing Anxiety Among Youth

Globally, a median of 41% of respondents say they are both worried and enthusiastic about the increasing presence of AI in daily life, while 37% are primarily concerned and 13% primarily enthusiastic. Older individuals tend to be more worried about the impact of AI on everyday life than younger people. Among those aged 18 to 34, opinions are more divided, and anxiety is on the rise. In Sweden, Poland, Japan, Australia, Brazil, and the United States, young people's concerns have significantly increased over the past year. In countries like the United States and Sweden, young people even report being more worried than older generations about job losses related to AI and inequality.

Rising Perceived Inequality, Especially in Wealthy and Left-Leaning Countries

Respondents are more inclined to believe that AI will widen the gap between the rich and the poor. This perception is particularly prevalent in wealthier countries and among those who lean left on the political spectrum.

Employment Seen as the Primary Victim, with 34 Out of 37 Countries Concerned

A majority of respondents view AI as a threat to human employment. In 34 of the 37 surveyed countries, more respondents anticipate job losses over the next 20 years than predict net job creation. Concern reaches 76% in Australia and South Korea, and 71% in the United States. According to Pew Research, 42,151 participants from 37 countries were surveyed for this study, conducted from February 8 to May 13. Dario Amodei, who leads Anthropic, also noted that AI is likely to eliminate half of entry-level office jobs.