Global survey finds majority in most countries expect AI to eliminate jobs within 20 years

A Pew Research survey of 42,151 people across 37 countries found that in 34 of those countries, a majority believe artificial intelligence will lead to job losses over the next 20 years rather than create new ones. The survey was conducted from February 8 to May 13, before recent public warnings about AI’s risks.

Concern about AI’s impact on employment was highest in wealthier countries, with Australia (76%), South Korea (76%), and the United States (71%) showing the greatest apprehension. The poll also indicates that respondents broadly expect AI to increase income inequality, with those in wealthier nations and those identifying as left-leaning expressing the strongest concerns.

Age appears to shape perceptions: older adults are more likely to express concern about AI’s impact on daily life, while younger adults (ages 18–34) report more mixed feelings and growing anxiety. In several countries—including Sweden, Poland, Japan, Australia, Brazil, and the US—concern among younger demographics has risen sharply over the past year.

Despite these economic fears, global sentiment is not uniformly negative. A median of 41% of respondents across the surveyed countries say they feel equally concerned and excited about AI’s growing presence in daily life. This compares to 37% who say they are primarily concerned and 13% who say they are primarily excited.