Young U.S. adults grow more cautious about AI and fear job losses
A Pew Research Center survey shows enthusiasm for AI among adults 18-29 has dropped sharply, while expectations of job losses have risen.
Pew Research Center’s June 2026 survey of 3,488 U.S. adults reveals a marked decline in AI enthusiasm among the 18-29 age group, with the share who feel more excited than concerned falling from 25% in 2021 to 11% now. Concurrently, the same cohort’s belief that AI will lead to fewer jobs in the next 20 years rose to 73%, the steepest increase among all age brackets since 2024. Across the nation, 52% of adults say AI provokes more concern than excitement, up from 37% in 2021, while only 9% remain more excited.
Although seniors (65+) show slightly higher concern at 59%, young adults exhibit the greatest swing in sentiment. The survey notes that most under-30s still rely on AI chatbots, indicating that reduced optimism does not equate to reduced usage. These trends highlight a growing wariness about AI’s societal impact, especially regarding employment prospects.
Why it matters
The shift signals rising public anxiety about AI's impact on jobs, influencing policy and market responses.
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