Concerns Over AI’s Impact on Jobs and Government Policy

Many Americans believe that AI will decrease the number of jobs in the U.S., but job loss is only one of their concerns. They are also doubtful about the U.S. government’s ability to devise policies ensuring AI is utilized properly. This skepticism spans across different age groups and education levels, with a notable divide in opinion among political affiliations. Democrats and independents generally agree on the lack of effective policy, while Republicans have mixed views.

Most people perceive various reasons why AI companies are driving AI adoption, from facilitating everyday tasks to completely replacing human workers. Approximately two-thirds of Americans are convinced that U.S. government policy will not likely ensure AI’s appropriate usage. Those holding this belief often expect AI to diminish U.S. jobs.

When asked about potential motivations for AI companies and developers to promote AI, many respondents suspect these firms aim to increase their power and substitute human workers with AI. Other notable, yet somewhat less dominant, reasons include advancements in science and medicine and making tasks easier for individuals.

AI and Jobs

A consistent trend over the past year shows that most Americans anticipate AI will lead to job losses. Both young and older Americans expect job reductions due to AI, though younger individuals express less concern. This may stem from younger Americans’ greater familiarity with AI. Previous surveys indicate that younger individuals report higher usage and understanding of AI compared to older counterparts.

The CBS News/YouGov survey involved a nationally representative sample of 2,064 U.S. adults interviewed from May 13-15, 2026. Weighting ensured representativeness based on gender, age, race, education, and the 2024 presidential vote, in line with the U.S. Census American Community Survey and Current Population Survey. The survey’s margin of error is ±2.7 points.