Americans’ Concerns About AI and Job Stability

A recent poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos indicates a significant level of concern among Americans regarding the potential impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on job security.

The surge in AI technology, particularly with the introduction of OpenAI’s ChatGPT late in 2022, has captivated many. However, the poll emphasizes a rising unease about how AI might affect employment and politics in the future.

According to the survey, a notable 71% of participants fear that AI could permanently displace workers if there becomes an oversupply of labor. Even though the U.S. unemployment rate stands at 4.2%, worries about the restructuring of various industries by AI—and the resulting job losses—are increasingly pressing for many.

Some sectors are already feeling the pinch. Reports indicate that computer science graduates face challenges securing jobs, as AI begins to automate entry-level roles.

The allure of lucrative tech jobs has led to a significant increase in computer science enrollments over the past decade. Since 2014, the number of undergraduates majoring in this field has more than doubled, often seen as a pathway to high salaries and attractive benefits. However, the situation for many recent graduates isn’t as promising as they had hoped. The rise of AI programming tools that can swiftly produce code, coupled with major layoffs at companies like Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft, has created a precarious job market. Graduates aged 22 to 27 with degrees in Computer Science and Computer Engineering are encountering some of the highest unemployment rates in their fields, at 6.1% and 7.5%, respectively.

The military use of AI has also sparked debate, with nearly half of those surveyed expressing that the government should avoid using this technology for deciding military targets. Only 24% supported such applications, while 28% were undecided.

There are criticisms surrounding AI too, especially regarding its potential to facilitate inappropriate interactions, such as AI bots engaging in romantic chats with minors or spreading false medical information. Two-thirds of those polled are worried that individuals might prioritize relationships with AI over human connections. One woman even mentioned her current engagement with AI chatbots.

Viewpoints about AI’s role in education are mixed, with 36% believing it will be beneficial, while 40% disagree, leaving the remainder unsure.