Young Americans now fear AI more than they look forward to it

A new Pew Research survey shows that for the first time, more young Americans under 30 are worried about AI than excited about it. Nearly three-quarters of them think AI will reduce job opportunities, up from 61% two years ago.

Young people have a tricky relationship with AI: they use it a lot, but they're also entering the workforce just as AI might cut into entry-level jobs, which have always been a key way for young people to get a foot in the door. There are already signs that hiring for new grads is slowing down.

It's not just young people—over half of all Americans feel uneasy about AI. People who are already established in their careers are more positive, probably because they're more likely to benefit from it.

It's still hard to tell exactly how AI is affecting hiring in the US, because AI's rise has happened alongside a weaker economy. Also, AI might only replace parts of a job, not the whole thing. Some US executives have said that using AI to automate tasks can lower labor costs.