Individuals skilled in utilizing AI technologies are quite certain that Artificial intelligence will have a beneficial impact over the coming two decades. However, only a small number of U.S. adults share this sentiment, as indicated by the findings from a Pew Research Center poll.
The surge of generative AI tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT In recent years, this topic has become part of popular culture. According to Pew, the percentage of people expressing greater concern has increased since their previous survey conducted in 2021.
Out of AI professionals, 56% anticipated a beneficial influence from artificial intelligence on the U.S. within two decades. Conversely, just 17% of the general populace shared this optimistic view, whereas 35% believed AI would yield adverse outcomes. Among those knowledgeable about AI, 15% foresaw potential drawbacks.
One major factor behind this discrepancy is that typical Americans hold much lower expectations regarding the impact of artificial intelligence on key areas such as employment, healthcare, and schooling. For instance, although 73% of specialists predicted that AI would enhance job performance among individuals, merely 23% of American adults polled shared this viewpoint.
Not every form of artificial intelligence operates similar to the generative AI models that gained significant attention after 2022. However, with the rise in popularity of platforms such as ChatGPT and other extensive language models like Google’s Gemini, technology firms are now engaged in a competitive rush. This competition often feels akin to an aggressive rollout of AI functionalities into common applications and gadgets. These developments have elicited varied responses from end-users. According to a poll conducted in 2024, numerous smartphone owners not enthusiastic about AI integrations such as Apple Intelligence .
The recent Pew study published this week includes findings from two separate surveys. One poll surveyed U.S. adults through Pew’s American Trends Panel, which gathered responses from over 5,000 individuals chosen at random during August 2024. For insights from professionals, data was collected from a group of 1,013 Americans involved in AI-related fields such as academia or industry; these participants either spoke at or contributed papers to one of 21 distinct AI-centered conferences held between 2023 and 2024.
The survey findings highlight significant differences as well as shared viewpoints regarding AI, according to the report. It noted that AI specialists are considerably more optimistic than the general population concerning AI’s benefits, particularly for employment opportunities. However, both parties desire greater individual authority over AI systems and express concerns about insufficient governmental regulation.
Concerns regarding artificial intelligence in the work environment
Neither team was hopeful that artificial intelligence would result in additional job opportunities within the U.S. over the coming two decades. Of those knowledgeable about AI, 19% predicted an increase in jobs, whereas 39% forecasted a decrease. However, this sentiment was even stronger amongst the broader population; 64% anticipated a reduction in employment prospects, with merely 5% believing there would be more positions available.
As to Which occupations faced the highest risk? Both teams concurred that cashiers and journalists were at risk. However, neither team anticipated significant job losses for mental health therapists, even with advancements in the field. utilization of AI chatbots for therapeutic purposes .
Sixty-one percent of AI professionals predicted employment reductions for truckers, whereas only 33% of the broader population shared this view. Driverless trucks has been an aspiration for the autonomous vehicle sector much before ChatGPT became widely recognized, even though the study suggests that this concept might not have resonated with the broader population yet. An anonymous AI specialist cited in the document specifically pointed out at truck drivers, stating, "They will likely vanish within 10 to 20 years."
Even for occupations that persist despite advances in artificial intelligence, the tasks performed by people could shift. Last month, during a presentation at South by Southwest, Nickle LaMoreaux, who serves as IBM’s chief human resources officer, shared this insight with attendees. alter the attributes businesses seek in employees , compelling them to concentrate more on developing critical thinking and human virtues.
Even with all the buzz around it, artificial intelligence hasn’t significantly impacted most work environments yet. A Pew study published in February revealed this as well. Only one-sixth of American employees utilized artificial intelligence in their work roles. Most of them stated that they either never use chatbots or only do so infrequently.
People in America are more worried than enthusiastic when it comes to AI.
When asked about their views on whether individuals felt more apprehension or enthusiasm regarding the heightened utilization of artificial intelligence, the two demographics presented nearly opposite perspectives. Specifically, 51% of the general populace expressed greater concern, whereas among AI professionals, 47% reported feeling more excitement over this development.
The experts cited in the report highlighted aspects such as the automation of mundane jobs and the potential improvements in medicine As reasons for optimism. "The most enthusiastic aspect is the potential beneficial effect it might bring to the healthcare sector," an expert commented.
The concerns, nevertheless, are considerable. Problems such as inaccurate information , impersonation ( or "deepfakes" The improper use of personal data was highlighted by both the general populace and specialists. The public expressed significantly greater worry over employment losses compared to the experts.
Initially released on April 3, 2025 at 5:03 PM Pacific Time.