A new global survey by Pew Research indicates that a majority of people in most surveyed nations view artificial intelligence as a threat to employment rather than a source of new opportunities.
What Happened
Pew Research interviewed 42,151 individuals across 37 countries between February 8 and May 13. The findings reveal that in 34 of those 37 nations, respondents are more likely to believe AI will lead to job losses over the next 20 years than to create new ones. The data suggests that anxiety is particularly pronounced in wealthier nations, with 76 percent of respondents in Australia and South Korea, and 71 percent in the United States, expressing concern about AI-driven unemployment. The survey was conducted prior to recent high-profile warnings regarding the technology's disruptive potential.
Why It Matters
The widespread skepticism regarding AI's impact on labor markets highlights a significant gap between technological deployment and public sentiment. For industry leaders and policymakers, this data underscores the growing societal resistance to automation, particularly in major economic hubs like the U.S. and South Korea. As AI capabilities expand, the perception of job displacement may influence regulatory decisions and corporate strategies regarding workforce integration.
The Bottom Line
Global public opinion currently leans heavily toward the belief that AI will result in net job losses over the next two decades, with the most acute fears observed in economically advanced countries.