A majority of U.S. workers are uneasy about the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, with more employees expressing concern than optimism about its long-term impact, according to a new Pew Research Center survey.
The survey, conducted in October 2024 among 5,273 employed adults, found that 52% of workers are worried about AI’s future use in their industry, while only 36% say they feel hopeful. Additionally, 33% of respondents said they feel overwhelmed by AI advancements, compared to 29% who said they were excited.
Concerns about AI’s impact extend to job security, with only 6% of workers believing AI will lead to more job opportunities in the long run. In contrast, 32% say it will result in fewer opportunities, while 31% think AI won’t make much of a difference. Lower- and middle-income workers are more likely to fear job losses, whereas upper-income employees are more inclined to believe AI will have little effect on their career prospects.
Despite these concerns, most workers (63%) report using AI rarely or not at all in their jobs. Among those who do, younger employees and those with at least a bachelor’s degree are the most frequent users. Only 16% of workers say at least some of their tasks currently involve AI, while an additional 25% acknowledge that AI could potentially be applied to their work.
The survey also examined the use of AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot. About 9% of workers use these tools daily or multiple times per week, while 7% use them a few times a month. Younger employees, particularly those under 30, are the most likely to use AI chatbots, mainly for research, editing, and drafting written content.
Although some workers find AI beneficial, the study reveals a gap between AI’s potential and its actual adoption. Many employees remain skeptical or unaware of how it could improve efficiency, with 55% saying they rarely or never use AI-powered tools at work. Additionally, 36% of workers who haven’t used AI chatbots cite a lack of relevance to their jobs as the primary reason.
The findings highlight ongoing uncertainty about AI’s role in the workforce, with workers balancing concerns over job displacement against the potential for increased productivity. As AI continues to evolve, its future in the workplace remains a source of debate among employees, employers, and policymakers.
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