Study: Global fears of AI job losses outpace hopes for new roles

A new Pew Research Center study finds that globally, more people expect AI to eliminate jobs than create them, with concerns about job loss outweighing optimism. The survey, polling over 50,000 people across 37 countries, also reveals that trust in AI regulation is closely tied to favorable views of a nation. Worries about AI-driven job losses are particularly high in wealthier countries like Australia, South Korea, and the US, where around seven-in-ten adults anticipate job reductions in the next 20 years. These nations also show greater concern about AI increasing economic inequalities. The study links this to higher AI awareness, as people more familiar with the technology are more likely to predict job loss. The report's release coincides with calls from major AI leaders and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to slow AI development. Additionally, the survey found that young adults aged 18 to 34 are more concerned about AI-related job loss than older generations across several nations, including Canada, France, and India.