53% of Americans fear AI could take their jobs, poll finds
53% of Americans fear AI could take their jobs, poll finds
53 of Americans fear AI could - According to a new Reuters/Ipsos survey, more than half of U.S. adults—53%—express worry that artificial intelligence might lead to the loss of employment for themselves or someone in their family. This concern spans various demographics, including age, gender, and education levels, though Democrats tend to exhibit higher levels of apprehension compared to Republicans.
Corporate AI Investments Fuel Job Uncertainty
The poll coincides with a surge in AI adoption by major companies, which are simultaneously reducing their workforce sizes. This dual trend has intensified public anxiety about the future of employment. For instance, software giant Intuit recently announced plans to cut 17% of its global workforce, citing the need to streamline operations and prioritize strategic initiatives like AI development. Such decisions have sparked widespread dialogue about the technology’s role in reshaping the job market.
Meanwhile, a report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas highlighted that 60,620 layoffs were reported in March alone, with AI being the primary cause for a quarter of these job losses. This underscores the growing influence of AI in corporate decision-making. Earlier this year, Klarna’s CEO, Sebastian Siemiatkowski, told CNBC that the Swedish fintech firm had slashed its workforce by 40%, a move attributed to automation and efficiency gains through AI integration. Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, further warned that AI could replace “literally half of all white-collar workers in the U.S.” within the next few years, illustrating the scale of the anticipated shift.
A Freelancer’s Perspective on AI’s Impact
Jennifer Schalhoub, a 62-year-old freelance writer in Little Ferry, New Jersey, shared her firsthand experience with AI-driven job displacement. She recounted losing her position as a policy advocate, where her role involved drafting letters to government officials. “AI is taking over because people care less and less about the quality of the work that gets produced,” she said, reflecting on the growing reliance on automated systems for tasks once handled by human labor.
Her story aligns with broader concerns about the encroachment of AI in professional fields. The technology’s ability to generate content, analyze data, and perform repetitive tasks has led to fears that even skilled workers may face obsolescence. This sentiment is echoed by experts and industry leaders who warn of the potential for AI to redefine the boundaries of labor, particularly in roles that require minimal human input.
Entry-Level Jobs Face Challenges Amid AI Expansion
The backlash against AI extends beyond high-level executives and into the ranks of young job seekers. A Cengage Group survey revealed that 76% of employers reported hiring for fewer or the same number of entry-level positions in 2025, compared to 69% in 2024. This decline reflects a tightening labor market where AI adoption is accelerating, potentially reducing opportunities for new entrants. A separate study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that 42% of recent college graduates are "underemployed," a statistic that has reached its highest point since 2020. These individuals are often working in roles that do not traditionally require a college degree, raising questions about the value of higher education in an AI-driven economy.
Experts suggest that while AI is not the sole factor in this trend, it plays a significant role. Peter Watkins, a senior director at the CFA Institute, noted that the technology is increasingly being used as a tool for cost reduction rather than innovation. “If firms are looking to make resource reductions, AI starts to become a solution for that, whereas in another economic climate, they’d probably be using it more in terms of innovation and growth,” he explained. This shift highlights the dual-edged nature of AI: it drives efficiency but also creates uncertainty for workers at all levels.
Political and Religious Concerns About AI
The rise of AI has not only sparked economic debate but also raised ethical and societal alarms. Leaders in politics and religion have issued warnings about its potential consequences. Pope Leo XIV, for example, addressed the role of AI in a recent encyclical, emphasizing the need for "more active political involvement capable of slowing things down when everything is accelerating." He critiqued the rapid pace of technological advancement, calling for greater oversight to ensure AI serves humanity rather than displaces it.
Similarly, young professionals and students have voiced skepticism. At a recent graduation ceremony, Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, faced boos from University of Arizona students when discussing AI’s impact. The audience’s reaction highlights the generational divide in perceptions of the technology. While some see AI as a revolutionary force, others fear it will undermine traditional career paths and reduce job quality.
A Balanced View on AI’s Role in the Workforce
Despite the rising tide of anxiety, the poll’s findings suggest a nuanced perspective on AI’s influence. While 53% of Americans express fear, the data also indicates that the technology is viewed as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it threatens existing jobs; on the other, it offers opportunities for innovation and productivity. This duality is evident in companies that leverage AI to cut costs while simultaneously investing in new technologies that may create demand for specialized skills.
For many, the key issue is the balance between AI’s benefits and its risks. “The question isn’t whether AI will replace jobs, but how it will reshape them,” said one analyst. As automation continues to evolve, the challenge lies in ensuring that workers are equipped to adapt. Whether through retraining programs, policy interventions, or a shift in educational focus, the future of employment in an AI-driven era will depend on how society navigates this transformation.
What’s Next for the U.S. Labor Market?
The debate over AI’s impact on employment shows no signs of abating. With the trend of AI adoption accelerating, the question remains: Will the technology lead to widespread job losses, or will it create new opportunities? The Reuters/Ipsos poll, alongside reports from Challenger, Gray & Christmas and the Federal Reserve, provides a snapshot of current concerns. Yet, as the economy continues to evolve, the conversation must also address the long-term implications of AI on industries, wages, and societal structures.
For now, the focus is on mitigating immediate fears. Companies, policymakers, and educators are working to find solutions that protect workers while embracing the benefits of AI. As Jennifer Schalhoub’s experience demonstrates, the human element remains central to understanding the technology’s role in the workplace. Whether through personal anecdotes or statistical analysis, the message is clear: the future of work is being reshaped by artificial intelligence, and the response to this change will define its trajectory.