More People Expect AI To Cut Jobs Than Add Them, Pew Finds via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-17T21:46:10.303Z • Permanent link

Pew Research Center's global survey, which gathered responses from 37 countries, reveals a concerning trend: more people expect Artificial Intelligence (AI) to cut jobs than add them. This sentiment is more prevalent in high-income countries than middle-income ones, underscoring the need for policymakers and industry leaders to address the potential negative impacts of AI on employment. According to Pew, nearly half of respondents in high-income countries, such as the United States, Canada, and the UK, believe AI will reduce jobs, while only about one-third in middle-income countries like China and India share the same view.

Pew's survey, which was conducted in the spring of 2022, polled over 40,000 people across the globe, providing a comprehensive snapshot of public opinion on AI. The findings are striking, as they suggest that despite the promise of AI to create new opportunities, many people are concerned about the potential for job displacement. Specifically, the survey found that 54% of respondents in the US believed AI would reduce jobs, while 45% in Canada and 42% in the UK shared the same view. In contrast, only 23% of respondents in India and 21% in China believed AI would reduce jobs.

The Pew survey also highlights the diversity of opinions on AI across different countries and regions. For instance, in Japan, where AI is deeply ingrained in the country's economy, only 17% of respondents believed AI would reduce jobs. Similarly, in South Africa, where the economy is heavily reliant on manual labor, only 22% of respondents shared the same view. These findings underscore the need for policymakers and industry leaders to tailor their approaches to the specific needs and concerns of different countries and regions.

As the global economy becomes increasingly reliant on AI, the Pew survey's findings have significant implications for companies, research communities, and policymakers. For instance, companies like Uber and Lyft, which have already faced criticism for their impact on the gig economy, may need to reassess their business models in light of the survey's findings. Similarly, researchers in the field of AI ethics may need to consider the potential consequences of AI on employment and develop strategies to mitigate its negative impacts. Policymakers, meanwhile, may need to update their regulatory frameworks to address the concerns of workers who may be displaced by AI.

The survey's findings also have implications for the broader Global Infrastructure domain. For instance, the development of 5G networks, which is expected to drive widespread adoption of AI, may need to take into account the potential impacts on employment. Similarly, the growth of the sharing economy, which has already disrupted traditional employment models, may need to be reevaluated in light of the survey's findings. Ultimately, the Pew survey's findings underscore the need for a more nuanced understanding of the impact of AI on employment and the need for policymakers and industry leaders to develop strategies to mitigate its negative consequences.

The Pew survey's findings are part of a larger pattern of growing concerns about the impact of AI on employment. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need for policymakers and industry leaders to address the potential negative impacts of AI on employment. This has led to a surge in research and development of strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of AI, such as education and training programs for workers who may be displaced by AI.