Labor & Employment Law Daily Wrap Up, REPORTS—Americans under 30 are increasingly skeptical of AI as job loss fears rise, (Aug 21, 2026)

By WK Editorial Staff

“Even in 2021, job loss was one of the top reasons behind Americans’ concern about AI. Today, Americans largely – and increasingly – think AI-related job loss is on the horizon.”

A growing share of young adults in the United States are becoming wary of artificial intelligence, with concerns about its impact on jobs and society rising sharply in recent years, according to a new Pew Research Center survey.

The study, released August 18, 2026, found that a majority of Americans under age 30 now say they are more concerned than excited about the increasing use of AI in everyday life, marking a significant shift in attitudes among a generation often viewed as the most technologically comfortable.

Jump to more than half. For the first time since Pew began tracking the issue, more than half of adults younger than 30 said AI makes them feel more concerned than excited. Now, 55 percent of adults in that demographic claim that they are more concerned than excited, whereas in 2021, only 31 percent expressed that sentiment. Only about 11 percent now say they are more excited than concerned, while roughly one-third reported feeling equally excited and concerned.

The findings reflect a broader trend across the country. Overall, 52 percent of U.S. adults now say they are more concerned than excited about AI, up from 37 percent in 2021. Just nine percent say they are more excited than concerned.

Researchers said concern has increased among Americans of all ages, but younger adults stand out because their skepticism has continued to climb in recent years, while concern among older age groups rose earlier and then leveled off. Today, young adults' concerns about AI are roughly on par with those of middle-aged and older Americans.

Employment fears. Much of the anxiety appears tied to fears about employment. According to the survey, 71 percent of Americans believe AI will lead to fewer jobs in the United States over the next 20 years, up from 64 percent who held that view in 2024. Only five percent think AI will create more jobs, while 10 percent say it will not make much difference.

“Even in 2021,” Pew notes, “job loss was one of the top reasons behind Americans’ concern about AI. Today, Americans largely – and increasingly – think AI-related job loss is on the horizon.”

Among adults under 30, concern about job displacement has grown particularly quickly. Nearly three-quarters, or 73 percent, now believe AI will result in fewer jobs in the future, compared with 61 percent two years ago. Young adults are now just as likely as people ages 30 to 64 to predict significant job losses from AI.

The report adds to a growing body of research showing widespread unease about AI's role in the workplace. Pew noted that concerns about job loss have surfaced repeatedly in its surveys of workers, teenagers, and the general public. While some economists and technology leaders argue AI will create new opportunities and industries, others warn that automation could eliminate a substantial number of existing jobs.

Other concerns. Beyond employment concerns, previous Pew research has found that younger adults are more likely than other age groups to believe AI will have negative effects on society and on their own lives. Many also worry that AI tools could make creativity and human connection more difficult, despite widespread use of chatbots and other generative AI technologies.

The latest findings are based on a survey of 3,488 U.S. adults conducted June 22-28 through Pew Research Center's American Trends Panel.

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