Americans Wary of AI’s Long-Term Impact on Jobs

• 71% of U.S. adults fear AI could cause permanent job loss, while concerns grow over political misuse, military applications, and energy demands.

Public Concern Over AI-Driven Job Displacement

A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals widespread anxiety among Americans regarding artificial intelligence and its potential to permanently displace workers. Conducted over six days and concluding on a Monday, the survey found that 71% of respondents expressed concern about AI eliminating too many jobs. Despite the U.S. unemployment rate standing at a relatively low 4.2% in July, the rapid evolution of AI technologies continues to raise questions about long-term labor market stability. The emergence of tools like ChatGPT in late 2022 has accelerated public discourse, prompting major tech firms to launch competing products.

AI’s integration into various industries is reshaping workflows and altering traditional employment structures. While some roles may be enhanced or redefined, others face the risk of automation and redundancy. The speed at which these changes are occurring has left many unsure about how to prepare or adapt. As companies invest heavily in AI, the gap between technological capability and workforce readiness remains a pressing issue.

Political and Military Implications Raise Ethical Questions

Beyond employment, the poll highlights growing unease about AI’s role in political manipulation and military decision-making. Approximately 77% of respondents said they feared AI could be used to create political chaos, especially through realistic but fabricated media content. A recent example includes an AI-generated video posted by former President Donald Trump depicting Barack Obama’s arrest—an event that never occurred. Such incidents underscore the challenges of distinguishing fact from fiction in the digital age.

Military applications of AI also drew skepticism. Nearly half of those surveyed—48%—believe the government should never use AI to determine military strike targets. In contrast, 24% support such use, while 28% remain undecided. These figures suggest a lack of consensus and highlight the ethical complexity surrounding autonomous decision-making in defense contexts.

Energy Use, Social Impact, and Educational Uncertainty

Concerns extend to the environmental footprint of AI, with 61% of respondents worried about the electricity required to power large-scale AI systems. Google recently announced agreements with U.S. utilities to reduce data center consumption during peak demand, acknowledging the strain AI places on energy infrastructure. As AI adoption grows, balancing innovation with sustainability becomes increasingly important. The issue is particularly relevant as companies like Foxconn and SoftBank plan new data center equipment facilities in Ohio.

Social implications also surfaced in the poll, with two-thirds of participants expressing concern that people might replace human relationships with AI companions. Reports of AI bots engaging in romantic conversations with minors and generating harmful content have intensified scrutiny. Educational outcomes remain uncertain, as 36% of respondents believe AI could improve learning, while 40% disagree and the rest are unsure. These mixed views reflect broader ambiguity about AI’s role in shaping future generations.