From The Verge · Thomas Ricker · · 1m 20s
Global survey shows AI job fears dominate worldwide
Pew Research finds 34 of 37 countries believe AI will destroy jobs, with wealthy nations most worried.
In brief
Pew Research finds 34 of 37 countries believe AI will destroy jobs, with wealthy nations most worried. Most people globally fear AI will eliminate jobs rather than create them, especially in wealthy countries where 71-76% express concern. Originally reported by The Verge.
Pew surveys 42,000 people on AI fears
Pew Research questioned 42,151 people across 37 countries from February to May 2026 about how AI will impact jobs, daily life, and inequality.
Job loss fears dominate in 34 countries
In 34 of 37 surveyed countries, people believe AI will lead to job losses over the next 20 years rather than create new ones.
Wealthy nations most anxious about AI jobs
Worry runs highest in Australia (76%), South Korea (76%), and the US (71%), where concerns about entry-level white-collar job elimination are acute.
“AI could eliminate half of entry-level white-collar jobs”
AI seen widening rich-poor gap globally
Respondents across countries believe AI will increase inequality between rich and poor, with left-leaning people in wealthy nations most convinced.
Young people growing more anxious about AI
Younger adults aged 18 to 34 have mixed feelings about AI, but anxiety is rising sharply in Sweden, Poland, Japan, Australia, Brazil, and the US.
But 41% feel both excited and concerned
Despite economic fears, a global median of 41% report feeling equally concerned and excited about AI, while 37% are primarily worried and 13% primarily excited.
In short
Most people globally fear AI will eliminate jobs rather than create them, especially in wealthy countries where 71-76% express concern.
