Young Americans increasingly view artificial intelligence with skepticism

For the first time since Pew Research Center began tracking attitudes in 2021, a majority of American adults under 30 express more concern than excitement about artificial intelligence. This shift in perspective is notable, as this demographic was previously the most optimistic about AI's potential. The latest data from June reveals a significant change, positioning younger respondents as among the most skeptical about the technology.

Concerns about job displacement are particularly pronounced within this age group. Nearly three-quarters of adults under 30 believe AI will lead to a reduction in the number of available jobs. This sentiment has grown considerably since 2021, when 61% of respondents held this view. These findings underscore the complex relationship younger Americans have with AI. They are often early adopters and proficient users of the technology, yet they are entering the job market at a time when AI poses a threat to entry-level positions, which traditionally serve as a stepping stone into the workforce.

The anxieties of younger Americans mirror broader societal sentiments. Pew data indicates that over half of all Americans express worry about artificial intelligence. However, a divergence appears among those already established in the workforce, who tend to view AI more favorably, fueling theories that the technology offers greater advantages to experienced employees. Accurately assessing AI's impact on employment in the U.S. is complicated by the rapid adoption of the technology coinciding with an economic slowdown. Furthermore, AI often automates only parts of job functions, not entire roles.

Evidence suggests a slowdown in the hiring of entry-level workers, and U.S. business leaders openly discuss how AI enables cost savings by automating tasks previously performed by employees. This confluence of factors contributes to the growing apprehension among young adults about their future career prospects in an AI-influenced economy.