Global Survey Reveals Widespread Fear That AI Will Reduce Employment Opportunities

This skepticism cuts across regions, appearing in both high-income and developing nations

A new Pew Research Center study spanning 37 countries shows that nearly half of respondents worldwide believe artificial intelligence will lead to a net loss of jobs rather than create new ones. Conducted across diverse economies and released on Thursday, the poll highlights growing anxiety about AI’s impact on the labor market, with the most common response in 34 of the surveyed nations being that AI will eliminate more positions than it generates. The findings indicate a median of 46% of participants predicting fewer jobs due to AI, while only 9% expect an increase in employment opportunities. Another 13% believe AI will make little difference to job availability, and the remainder either expressed uncertainty or offered alternative views.

This skepticism cuts across regions, appearing in both high-income and developing nations, suggesting a shared concern about technological disruption regardless of economic context. Why Do Workers Fear AI Will Replace Rather Than Augment Their Roles Many respondents likely base their views on visible automation in industries like manufacturing, customer service, and transportation, where AI-driven systems have already begun to substitute human labor. Past technological shifts have often created new job categories, but the speed and scope of AI advancement raise doubts about whether workers can retrain quickly enough. Cultural attitudes toward innovation and trust in institutions also influence perceptions, with some societies more prone to view technology as a threat than a tool for empowerment. What Factors Might Shift Public Opinion on AI and Jobs in the Coming Years If governments and companies invest heavily in education and vocational training programs tailored to AI-era skills, public confidence could improve.

Transparent policies about workforce transitions, including wage support during retraining, may also alleviate fears. Conversely, if job losses occur without adequate safety nets or if AI adoption accelerates without public consultation, pessimism could deepen and fuel resistance to technological change. Frequently Asked Questions What percentage of people globally think AI will reduce job numbers? According to the poll, a median of 46% across 37 countries believe AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates. Which outcome did the smallest group of respondents predict? Only 9% of participants anticipated that AI would lead to more job opportunities than losses. Did any countries show a majority belief that AI would increase employment? No, in all 37 countries surveyed, the plurality or majority view was either fewer jobs or no significant change, with no nation showing a clear majority expecting job growth from AI.