More and more people believe that AI will take away jobs rather than create new ones
71% of Americans now expect AI to eliminate jobs, not create them — and the gap between belief and reality is widening fastest in wealthy nations.
Why it matters
Public perception of AI's labor impact has shifted sharply negative across most developed markets. This sentiment gap matters because it drives policy pressure, talent decisions, and enterprise adoption confidence — practitioners need to understand the headwind they're operating in.
The key facts
18 to knowPew Research Center survey across 37 countries
34 of 37 countries: majority expect fewer jobs over next 20 years
US: 71% expect job losses vs. 5% expect gains
Australia: 76% predict net job losses (most pessimistic surveyed)
Nigeria and Philippines: 26% predict job losses (most optimistic)
Sweden: 9-point increase in AI concern in one year (largest single-country shift)
Globally: fewer than 25% in ANY country believe AI will reduce inequality
41% median globally report equal concern and enthusiasm
More informed respondents trend more positive on AI
71% of US respondents believe AI will lead to fewer jobs over next 20 years; only 5% expect job creation
76% of Australians predict net job losses from AI—highest pessimism in survey
34 of 37 countries show majority believing AI will reduce jobs
Sweden saw 9 percentage-point increase in concern over one year—largest increase tracked
Only 26% in Nigeria and Philippines predict job losses will outweigh gains—most optimistic cohorts
In all 37 countries, fewer than 25% believe AI will reduce economic inequality
41% globally report equal amounts of concern and enthusiasm (median across 37 countries)
People well-informed about AI tech report more positive views than general population
Survey covers 37 countries; concerns higher in wealthier nations
Go to the source
Computerworldcomputerworld.com
Publisher excerpt: A new survey from the Pew Research Center shows that a majority of people worldwide now expect artificial intelligence to lead to fewer jobs rather than more. The survey is based on responses from 37 countries. In 34 of these countries, it is more common to believe that AI will result in fewer jobs…