TL;DR
- A recent Pew Research study reveals widespread concerns among Americans about AI's impact on jobs.
- Experts predict significant job losses in specific sectors, including cashiers, truck drivers, and journalists.
- There exists a stark contrast between expert optimism regarding AI's potential and public apprehension.
- Both groups agree on the need for better regulation of AI technologies.
Concerns Over AI's Impact on U.S. Employment
Americans are increasingly apprehensive about the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to disrupt the job market, according to a recent survey by Pew Research Center. The survey, which included over 5,400 U.S. adults and more than 1,000 AI experts, highlights significant anxiety regarding which professions are most susceptible to displacement by AI advancements.
A Disparity between Public Perception and Expert Opinion
While both the general public and experts acknowledge that AI will alter the job landscape, their perspectives differ sharply. The survey indicates that 73% of AI experts believe the technology will enhance job performance over the next two decades, while only 23% of U.S. adults share this optimism[^1].
Experts cited specific professions they believe will experience the most significant impact. Notably, 73% indicated that cashiers would see fewer job opportunities, followed closely by 62% for truck drivers and 60% for journalists and factory workers[^2][^3]. This concern is echoed in the perception that up to 64% of the public expects AI to lead to job losses[^1].
The Jobs at Risk
According to the findings, the professions believed to be at highest risk due to AI include:
- Cashiers - 73% of experts anticipate a decline in available jobs.
- Truck Drivers - 62% agree that automation will likely reduce job openings.
- Journalists - 60% foresee fewer jobs as content generation increasingly shifts to AI.
- Factory Workers - 60% predict a decrease in the workforce in manufacturing roles.
- Software Engineers - 50% of experts anticipate job losses in technology-related fields.
- Lawyers - 38% expect fewer job opportunities in law as AI takes on tasks traditionally performed by human attorneys.
- Musicians - 35% believe AI will influence job availability negatively in the creative sector[^2][^3].
Regulatory Concerns
Both professionals and the public express significant concerns about the regulation of AI technologies. The Pew survey found that 55% of U.S. adults and 57% of experts want more control over how AI is deployed in their lives[^3]. This sentiment is driven by worries about ethical implications, including job displacement, misinformation, and data privacy issues.
Future Implications
The implications of these findings are profound. As AI technologies continue to advance, the challenge will not only be adapting to change but also ensuring that the workforce is prepared through proper retraining initiatives. Historical precedents, such as the "China shock" which resulted in significant job losses in specific sectors due to increased globalization, underscore the importance of proactive measures in addressing potential disruptions caused by AI.
Conclusion
The divide in perceptions regarding AI's future impacts highlights a critical need for dialogue between experts and the public. As the technology develops, steps must be taken to balance innovation with ethical considerations and displaced workers' needs. Ensuring robust training and transition pathways will be vital to navigating what lies ahead in an AI-augmented workforce.
References
[^1]: Pew Research Center (2025). "How the U.S. Public and AI Experts View Artificial Intelligence". Retrieved April 8, 2025.
[^2]: Sherin Shibu (2025). "These jobs are at risk of disappearing in the next 20 years, AI experts say". CNBC. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
[^3]: Jon Reed (2025). "Americans See Lots of Reasons to Worry About AI, Pew Survey Finds". CNET. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
Keywords
AI, Job Impact, Employment, Pew Research, Automation, Regulation, Job Loss