Youthful Concern Over AI: A Growing Sense of Dread Among Young Americans

The latest survey from the Pew Research Center has revealed a stark shift in the attitudes of American adults under 30 towards Artificial Intelligence (AI). For the first time, a majority of this demographic says they are more concerned than excited about the increasing use of AI in daily life. This sharp uptick is a significant departure from just two years ago, when only 39% of adults under 30 shared similar sentiments.

The survey found that across all age groups, a staggering 52% of U.S. adults feel more concerned than excited about AI. While this figure has remained relatively consistent over the past few years, it is still higher than the 38% of respondents who expressed similar concerns in 2022. The Pew Research Center notes that excitement about AI has dropped among all age groups since 2021, with the steepest decline observed among American adults under 30.

More alarming still are the findings on job displacement due to AI. A staggering 71% of people believe that AI will lead to fewer job opportunities over the next two decades, up from 64% in 2024. This sentiment is particularly pronounced among American adults under 30, with a whopping 73% believing that AI will have a negative impact on their employment prospects.

Read More: Justice Department Seeks Reinstatement of Charges Against Wrongfully Deported Immigrant

Young Americans' concerns about AI are not limited to job displacement. A recent survey found that 48% of this demographic believes the impact of AI on society over the next 20 years will be negative, making it the most pessimistic age group in terms of outlook. Furthermore, 61% of adults under 30 believe that AI chatbots will worsen people's abilities to think creatively, while 58% fear that they will erode relationships.

Despite these concerns, young Americans are surprisingly adept at using chatbots. A Pew survey found that 66% of American adults under 30 use chatbots, a significant increase from two years ago. The most common uses for chatbots among this age group include information searches (54%), emotional advice (20%), and medical advice (27%). These findings highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of AI's impact on young Americans' lives.

Moreover, a recent CNBC survey has revealed that many young Americans distrust CEOs of AI companies. A staggering 81% of respondents distrust Palantir's Alex Karp, while 79% distrust Peter Thiel. This lack of trust underscores the growing sense of unease among young Americans regarding AI's potential consequences.