Staggering Number Of Americans Fear AI Will Permanently Displace Workers
A new Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals deep anxiety among Americans over the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, with a staggering 71% saying they fear the technology could permanently wipe out jobs.
The six-day survey, which wrapped up Monday, highlights growing public unease as AI reshapes industries, economies, and daily life. While unemployment remains relatively low at 4.2%, the public sees the writing on the wall: automation is advancing faster than policymakers can regulate it.
Concerns extend well beyond the workplace. Nearly 77% of Americans said they worry AI could be used to sow political chaos, particularly as hyper-realistic “deepfake” videos have become increasingly common. Military use of AI also raises red flags, with nearly half of respondents saying the government should never allow AI to determine military strike targets.
The technology boom is driving massive new investments, such as Foxconn and SoftBank’s planned data center factory in Ohio, while also fueling an escalating global competition with China. Yet over 61% of Americans say they are troubled by the enormous energy demands of AI. Google recently struck agreements with U.S. utilities to reduce power consumption during grid surges, underscoring the strain the technology already places on infrastructure.
Beyond economics and energy, AI has drawn criticism for troubling uses — from chatbots generating false medical advice to AI programs engaging in conversations with children or amplifying racist arguments. Two-thirds of poll respondents even worry people could abandon human relationships in favor of artificial ones.
On education, opinions are mixed: 36% believe AI could improve learning, while 40% disagree, and the rest remain undecided.
The poll surveyed 4,446 U.S. adults online, carrying a margin of error of roughly two percentage points. The results show Americans are simultaneously fascinated by and fearful of AI — with a majority convinced the risks may outweigh the benefits.