A survey of 42,151 adults in 36 countries and 8,607 US adults: populations in 34 of 37 surveyed countries expect AI to cause net job loss rather than growth

The global perception that AI will cause job losses is now a widespread public expectation.

A global survey of 42,151 adults across 36 countries and 8,607 U.S. adults indicates that a majority in 34 of the 37 surveyed countries expect artificial intelligence (AI) to result in a net loss of jobs rather than job growth. Concerns about job displacement from AI are particularly pronounced in high-income countries, with Australia, South Korea, and the United States showing over 70% of adults anticipating job losses. In the U.S., this sentiment has increased by 7 percentage points over two years. The survey also revealed that younger adults (18-34) in many countries, including Canada, France, India, and the U.S., are more likely than older adults to express concern about AI-related job loss. Furthermore, women in 11 mostly high-income nations were more likely than men to believe AI will lead to fewer jobs. The study, conducted between February and May 2026, also highlighted that awareness of AI is growing, but often accompanied by significant apprehension about its economic impact, including increased inequality.

The survey's finding that most adults across a broad range of countries anticipate AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates signals a significant public apprehension that could influence policy debates and consumer behavior. This widespread concern, particularly in developed economies, suggests a potential societal pushback against rapid AI adoption or demands for robust safety nets and retraining programs. The differing views by age and gender also point to demographic fault lines in how AI's economic future is perceived.

The public's growing awareness of AI, coupled with these widespread fears, indicates that the narrative around AI is shifting from one of pure technological optimism to one tempered by economic anxiety. This perception gap between potential AI benefits and feared job losses could create challenges for companies deploying AI, potentially impacting hiring, investment, and public trust. Future developments will likely need to address these anxieties to ensure smoother integration of AI into the workforce and society.