Pew survey: Worldwide worry over AI as a job killer
Between February and May 2026, Pew Research asked about 42,000 people in 37 countries how they expect artificial intelligence to affect jobs.
In 34 of the 37 countries, most people believe AI will destroy more jobs than it creates over the next 20 years. On average, 46 percent of respondents said fewer jobs, while only 9 percent expected more jobs.
Concern is especially high in wealthier countries like Australia, South Korea, and the US, where over 70 percent expect job losses in some cases. In the US, that share rose from 64 to 71 percent within two years, according to Pew.
Only in Nigeria did slightly more people expect job creation than job loss. In Thailand and the Philippines, many respondents were mainly unsure rather than clearly pessimistic.
According to Pew, younger adults in several countries show growing worry about their future, while older people are often more skeptical about AI's role in daily life overall.
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has warned that AI could eliminate up to half of entry-level white-collar jobs, a statement The Verge says adds to public unease.
How much AI has already changed the labor market remains unclear. A Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research study from July 2026 found the overall effects on the US labor market so far were marginal.
WHY IT MATTERS
The survey shows that worry about AI-driven job loss is rising worldwide, creating real uncertainty for many workers.
WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
- Keep building your skills Regularly learn about new tools used in your field and try them out on simple tasks. This helps you stay adaptable if job requirements change.
- Build a financial buffer If possible, set aside some savings in case your work situation changes. This gives you more time to figure out your next steps.
- Know your workplace rights Ask your union, works council, or a counseling service what rules apply to AI use at your workplace. This helps you know what to watch for if things change.
- Compare independent sources Don't rely only on statements from tech companies about AI and jobs. Also check studies or reports from independent research institutions for a more realistic picture.