Young Adults Express Growing AI Anxiety, Fear Job Displacement

A significant shift in sentiment is emerging among young adults in the U.S. regarding artificial intelligence, with a majority now expressing more concern than excitement about its impact on employment. Recent surveys indicate that 55% of individuals under 30 are apprehensive about AI, a notable increase from 31% in 2021. This growing unease is directly linked to fears of job loss, with 73% of this demographic anticipating fewer job opportunities in the next two decades due to AI advancements, up from 61% in 2024.

Across the broader U.S. adult population, the outlook is similarly cautious, with 71% expecting a net decrease in jobs attributable to AI, while only a small fraction, 5%, foresee an increase. This sentiment is further complicated by the increasing integration of AI into daily life, often without explicit user consent, leading to a trust deficit. While some individuals are embracing AI as part of their identity, a substantial segment, termed 'Selective Adopters,' utilize AI only when a clear benefit is perceived, otherwise avoiding its use.