Young adults in the U.S. are increasingly wary of AI, concerned it will take jobs; Pew Research Center, August 18, 2026

COLLEEN MCCLAIN AND EUGENIE PARK , Pew Research Center; Young adults in the U.S. are increasingly wary of AI, concerned it will take jobs

"Americans have become increasingly worried about artificial intelligence over the years, and young adults’ concern has continued to climb. Worry over job loss, too, is on the rise.

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Americans have grown more concerned about AI over time

% of U.S. adults who say the increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) in daily life makes them feel … 

More concerned than excited

Equally concerned and excited

More excited than concerned

Note: Those who did not answer are not shown. 

Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted June 22-28, 2026.

PEW RESEARCH CENTER

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Today, 52% of Americans say they are more concerned than excited about the increased use of AI in daily life – up from 37% in 2021. Another 9% are more excited than concerned and 37% say they’re equally excited and concerned, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted June 22-28, 2026.

Concern about AI is up among younger and older Americans alike since we first asked this question in 2021. But while the rise was mainly in the first two years for Americans ages 30 and older, concern continues to climb for adults under 30 – whose skepticism of AI has made headlines in recent months."