A recent Pew Research Center study reveals that the youngest cohort in the U.S. labor force is becoming increasingly wary of artificial intelligence, with many expressing concerns that technological progress could trigger widespread job losses.

Data from June shows that for the first time since the center began this survey in 2021, a majority of adults under 30 now say they feel more concerned than excited about AI. While this marks a convergence with the attitudes of most other age groups, the shift is notably sharp: the youngest demographic, once the most optimistic about AI's potential, has now become one of the most skeptical.

Within this age bracket, nearly three-quarters of respondents believe AI will reduce the number of available jobs, up from 61% two years prior. This anxiety isn't confined to younger workers, as more than half of all Americans report feeling uneasy about AI. However, those who are more established in their careers are increasingly viewing AI in a positive light, lending support to the idea that AI may disproportionately benefit individuals with more experience.

Quantifying the exact impact of AI on U.S. hiring remains a challenge, given that the rapid adoption of AI tools is coinciding with a weakening economy. Furthermore, AI is more likely to automate specific tasks within a role rather than eliminate entire positions altogether. Still, early indicators suggest a slowdown in entry-level hiring, and executives at major U.S. corporations have publicly acknowledged that using AI to automate parts of their workforce can drive cost savings.