AI News Monitor

A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that American workers are more worried than hopeful about the future impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. Conducted from October 7-13 among 5,273 employed U.S. adults, the study highlights widespread concerns about job security and the quality of work as AI adoption accelerates.

According to the survey, 52% of workers are worried about how AI will affect their jobs in the future, while only 36% feel hopeful. About a third (32%) believe AI will lead to fewer job opportunities for them in the long run, with only 6% expecting more opportunities. Lower- and middle-income workers are particularly concerned, as they are more likely than upper-income workers to anticipate fewer job prospects due to AI.

While 16% of workers currently use AI for at least some of their tasks, another 25% say their work could be done with AI, even if they aren’t using it much now. Younger workers and those with at least a bachelor’s degree are more likely to be AI users, with 73% of AI users under the age of 50.

AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot, are gaining traction in the workplace, with about one-in-ten workers using them daily or weekly. However, 55% of workers say they rarely or never use these tools. Among those who do, the most common uses include research (57%), editing written content (52%), and drafting written content (47%).

Workers who use AI chatbots find them more helpful for speeding up tasks (40%) than for improving the quality of their work (29%). Younger workers, particularly those under 50, are more likely to see these tools as highly beneficial for both efficiency and quality.

As AI continues to reshape the workplace, the survey underscores the need for policies and training to address worker concerns and ensure that the benefits of AI are equitably distributed. For now, many American workers remain cautious about what the future holds.