Poll: The older and richer you are, the more you like AI

London — New polling from Public First reveals that older individuals and those with greater financial security tend to have more positive attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI). The youngest age group, 18 to 24-year-olds, express the most skepticism about AI's impact on their critical thinking abilities and career progression. Despite being the most frequent users of AI, this age group worries that AI could hinder independent problem-solving and make learning from mentors more difficult, according to the survey.

Compared to those aged 35 to 44, who also utilize AI extensively, the younger generation is notably more pessimistic. Only 19 percent of 18-24-year-olds believe AI will enhance both their personal opportunities and society, whereas 28 percent of the older demographic holds this view. Regardless of the AI tools available, the older group's existing career experience and expertise contribute to their more favorable outlook.

Among individuals who consider themselves very financially comfortable across all age ranges, 43 percent anticipate that AI will further improve their circumstances and positively impact society. Conversely, the poorest category, those who cannot afford basic necessities, is more skeptical, with only 18 percent sharing this optimistic view, and 51 percent expecting AI to harm both themselves and society.

While the study does not prove that financial insecurity causes pessimism towards AI, it highlights the heightened concerns among younger adults entering the job market without the financial and professional security of older groups. This trend is expected to continue, with similar results on how AI affects people's personal economic optimism.