A recent Harvard Youth Poll reveals significant concerns among young Americans regarding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their job prospects. Of those surveyed, 59% of respondents aged 18 to 29 perceive AI as a threat to their employment opportunities. This includes 26% who believe it poses a major threat and 33% who view it as a minor threat. In comparison, concerns related to outsourcing and immigration are less pronounced, with 48% and 31% of young people, respectively, expressing worries about those issues.
Despite these apprehensions, the poll indicates a degree of acceptance and trust in AI technology among this demographic. Approximately 35% of respondents reported regular use of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, and 52% expressed trust in AI to assist with school or work assignments. However, a substantial majority—63%—do not utilize these technologies regularly.
The poll also highlights a pessimistic outlook regarding the future of work in relation to AI. A significant 41% of young people anticipate that AI will diminish the meaningfulness of work, while only 14% believe it will enhance it. Additionally, 44% expect that AI will reduce job opportunities, contrasting with just 14% who foresee the creation of new opportunities due to technological advancements.
Conducted between November 3 and 7, the Harvard Youth Poll surveyed 2,040 individuals in the specified age group, with a margin of error of 2.94%. The findings reflect a complex relationship between concern and adoption of AI among young Americans, suggesting a cautious approach to the evolving technology and its implications for the future workforce.
