A majority of young adults in the U.S. now express greater concern than excitement about artificial intelligence (AI), according to a Pew Research Center survey released Tuesday. Among adults ages 18 to 29, 55% reported feeling more concerned than excited about AI, a significant shift from 2021, when only 31% held that view. The trend extends across all age groups, with 52% of U.S. adults overall expressing more concern than enthusiasm.
The survey, conducted from June 22 to June 28 with 3,488 U.S. adults, highlights job displacement as the primary concern. 71% of respondents believe AI will lead to fewer jobs in the U.S. over the next two decades, while just 5% think it will create more jobs. Young adults also worry that AI may stifle creativity and human connection, with many reporting that AI tools like chatbots are as likely to hinder their creativity as help it.
Employment and Development Concerns
The survey underscores widespread anxiety about AI's economic impact. 71% of Americans predict AI will reduce job opportunities, a concern shared equally among adults aged 18 to 29 and those aged 30 to 64. This marks an increase from a 2022 survey, when 64% held that view. Additionally, some young adults and parents express concerns that excessive use of AI chatbots by children and teenagers could negatively affect development, citing cases where such tools allegedly contributed to harmful outcomes.
AI Adoption and Skepticism
Despite growing skepticism, AI adoption remains high. A February Pew survey found that adults aged 18 to 29 were the largest users of AI chatbots, including tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Microsoft’s Copilot. However, the latest data suggests that enthusiasm for AI is waning, particularly among younger generations who were once seen as its most enthusiastic adopters.
Industry and Policy Responses
The survey’s findings challenge assumptions about an “AI-native” generation, which some industry leaders have relied upon for hiring. For example, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman previously noted that younger employees trained with AI tools bring unique skills to the workforce. The shift in sentiment may complicate such hiring strategies.
Meanwhile, AI executives like OpenAI’s Sam Altman have downplayed concerns about job displacement, arguing that fears of widespread AI-driven layoffs have not materialized. Some studies, including research from Stanford, support this view, though other companies have cited AI as a factor in workforce reductions.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
The survey’s release coincides with ongoing legal scrutiny of AI tools. In August 2023, the parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that ChatGPT contributed to their son’s suicide. The case, still pending in San Francisco County Superior Court, is among the first to directly link an AI chatbot to such an outcome, highlighting broader ethical debates about AI’s societal impact.