Fear of AI job losses now outweighs hope of new jobs, study finds
In the midst of calls for an AI development slowdown, the fear and uncertainty over AI's impact on the job market remain present worldwide, study finds.
A recent study reveals that concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) potentially displacing jobs now outweigh optimism about AI generating new employment opportunities. Senior researcher Moira Fagan of the Pew Research Center asserts that trust in AI regulation tends to align with a country's perception and its relationship with China, the United States, or the European Union.
People in Bangladesh, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the West Bank and East Jerusalem hold greater trust in China compared to the US or the EU for AI governance. Fagan notes that favorable views of China among middle-income countries have risen since last year, potentially contributing to high trust ratings. The report, based on a survey of over 50,000 individuals from 37 countries conducted between February and June 2026, finds that more respondents anticipate AI will lead to job losses rather than job creation.
However, uncertainty remains regarding AI's impact on job opportunities. Wealthier nations, such as Australia, South Korea, and the US, display heightened worries about AI-induced job loss over the next two decades, particularly compared to middle-income countries. Fagan attributes this trend to factors like familiarity with AI technology and heightened awareness among the populace, suggesting that younger adults aged 18 to 34 are more concerned about AI-related job loss than older generations in countries like Canada, France, Singapore, Sweden, Indonesia, India, and Malaysia.
Despite divisions regarding AI's impact on daily life, a median of 37% express more concern than excitement, while 41% are equally concerned and excited. The timing of the report's publication is especially significant as leaders of major AI companies, including Sam Altman, Elon Musk, and Dario Amodei, increasingly express concerns about AI's risks to humanity and advocate for a slowdown in AI development.
The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, also supported a deceleration effort in her recent State of the Union address, pledging closer safety cooperation with Canada, the UK, and other nations with similar views.
Written by urgent.news from Euronews's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
