Half Of Americans Now Afraid They’ll Lose Their Jobs To AI

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Wednesday reveals that 53% of Americans now fear artificial intelligence could displace jobs in their household, with concerns higher among Democrats (61%) than Republicans (47%). The survey of 4,531 U.S. adults found that 50% of college graduates use AI tools regularly, compared to 34% of those without degrees, highlighting a divide in adoption rates. The poll coincides with a surge in tech layoffs, with the U.S. technology sector cutting 38,242 jobs in May 2026—the highest monthly total since August 2024, according to Challenger, Gray and Christmas. The firm noted AI is the leading reason for job cuts, particularly in technology, which remains the year’s biggest job cutter despite plans for continued hiring. Meanwhile, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported May 2026 nonfarm payrolls rose by 172,000, with the unemployment rate holding steady at 4.3%. However, long-term unemployment increased by 524,000 over the year, signaling persistent labor market challenges. Analysts have warned AI could reshape the labor market, while proponents argue it may drive economic growth. The poll’s margin of error is 2 percentage points, reflecting broad public anxiety amid rapid technological change.