A Pew Research Center report published on August 18, 2026, indicates that a majority of U.S. adults under 30 are more concerned than excited about the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in daily life. The report reveals that 55% of this age group expresses concern about AI, marking a 24-point increase since 2021 when Pew began tracking this sentiment. Only about 10% of young adults report feeling more excited about AI, while one-third feel equally concerned and excited.
The report highlights that 73% of adults under 30 expect AI to take away jobs in the next two decades, an increase from 61% in 2024. This concern is echoed among other age groups, with 51% of adults aged 30-49 and 47% of those aged 50-64 sharing similar worries. In contrast, 63% of adults aged 65 and older believe AI will reduce job availability, which is a five-point increase from 2024.
Additionally, a separate Axios-Generation Lab poll found that 27% of Americans aged 18 to 34 believe they or someone they know has lost a job due to AI. The hiring of younger white-collar workers has reportedly slowed, with unemployment among college graduates under 29 rising from 3.1% before the COVID-19 pandemic to 3.7% since 2022.
While research suggests that AI job losses are less frequent than perceived, the narrative surrounding potential job displacement appears to be influencing public sentiment. The report concludes that young adults are increasingly skeptical about AI's societal benefits, with many believing it will diminish connection and creativity.