Pew Research Center · 18 Aug, 07:00 · Artificial Intelligence briefing

Young adults in the U.S. are increasingly wary of AI, concerned it will take jobs

Recent findings from the Pew Research Centre indicate a growing apprehension among young American adults regarding artificial intelligence.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Recent findings from the Pew Research Centre indicate a growing apprehension among young American adults regarding artificial intelligence. This demographic expresses significant concern that AI technologies will displace human workers and erode job security across various sectors. The data highlights a shift in public sentiment, moving beyond early enthusiasm to pragmatic worry about economic stability. For professionals, this underscores the urgent need to understand how AI integration affects labour markets. It suggests that future career planning must account for these anxieties and the structural changes AI brings to traditional employment models, requiring a nuanced approach to skill development and strategic adaptability in an evolving workplace landscape.

Employer demand for AI Strategy skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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This shift signals that technical proficiency alone is no longer sufficient. You must cultivate human-centric skills that AI cannot easily replicate, such as complex problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and ethical judgement. Professionals in creative, strategic, and interpersonal roles should prioritise upskilling in AI oversight and strategy. Do not ignore this trend; instead, leverage it. Start by auditing your current skill set against emerging AI capabilities. Focus on mastering tools that enhance productivity rather than those that merely automate tasks. Develop a clear narrative around your unique human value proposition. Engage in continuous learning to stay ahead of technological curves. By positioning yourself as an AI-augmented expert, you transform potential obsolescence into a competitive advantage, ensuring resilience in a rapidly changing job market.

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Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

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