# Global survey finds majority view AI as threat to jobs

Digest AI · Society & Work · published 2026-09-17T14:00:00Z · updated 2026-09-17T21:44:38Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/global-survey-finds-majority-view-ai-as-threat-to-jobs

## Summary

Pew Research Center surveyed 42,151 people across 37 countries between February and May, asking how they see artificial intelligence’s impact on employment and daily life. In 34 of the 37 nations, respondents said AI is more likely to cause job losses than to create new positions over the next two decades. Concern is strongest in wealthier nations, with 76 % of Australians and South Koreans and 71 % of Americans fearing widespread displacement.

The study also tracked attitudes by age and politics. Older adults tend to be more worried about AI’s broader effects, while younger adults (18‑34) show a mix of anxiety and optimism, and their concern has risen sharply in countries such as Sweden, Poland, Japan, Australia, Brazil and the United States. Overall, a global median of 41 % say they feel both concerned and excited about AI, compared with 37 % who are mainly concerned and only 13 % who are mainly excited. The findings echo Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei’s warning that AI could eliminate half of entry‑level white‑collar jobs.

## Key points

- Pew survey of 42,151 respondents in 37 countries shows 34 of 37 expect AI to cause job losses over next 20 years.
- Highest job‑loss concerns are in Australia (76%), South Korea (76%) and the United States (71%).
- Median 41% feel both concerned and excited about AI, while 37% are mainly concerned and 13% mainly excited.

## Why it matters

Widespread public anxiety about AI‑driven job displacement can drive policy, regulation, and corporate workforce strategies, affecting economic stability and social safety nets worldwide.

## Sources

1. [AI is feared globally as the destroyer of jobs](https://theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/996775/ai-is-feared-globally-as-the-destroyer-of-jobs) (The Verge AI, 2026-09-17)
2. [More People Expect AI To Cut Jobs Than Add Them, Pew Finds via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern](https://searchenginejournal.com/pew-ai-job-loss-expectations-survey/589836) (Search Engine Journal, 2026-09-17)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Global survey finds majority view AI as threat to jobs", 17 September 2026, https://digestai.news/story/global-survey-finds-majority-view-ai-as-threat-to-jobs

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