Pew survey finds many expect AI to reduce jobs over 20 years

In short: A new Pew Research survey finds people in most countries expect AI to lead to more job losses than job gains over the next 20 years.

What's going on

Pew Research surveyed 42,151 people in 37 countries between February 8 and May 13. Pew asked how people think AI will affect jobs, daily life, and the gap between rich and poor.

In 34 of the 37 countries surveyed, people were more likely to say AI will reduce jobs rather than create new ones over the next 20 years. Concern was especially high in wealthier countries. For example, 76 percent of people in Australia and 76 percent in South Korea expected job losses, and 71 percent in the US said the same.

People were also more likely to say AI will increase income inequality, meaning the rich could get richer while others fall behind. This view was strongest in wealthier countries that lean left politically.

Age mattered too. Older adults were more likely to say they are worried about AI’s effect on daily life. Younger adults ages 18 to 34 were more likely to say they feel both concerned and excited, but the survey found their anxiety has been rising in places including Sweden, Poland, Japan, Australia, Brazil, and the US.

What to watch

This survey was done before a new wave of high-profile warnings about AI and jobs. As AI tools spread at work, watch whether governments and employers respond with job training, rules for how AI can be used, or new worker protections. It is similar to adding powerful machines to an office, some tasks get faster, but people worry about who still has a role.

Source: The Verge AI