Global workforce faces growing anxiety over AI-driven job losses

A global survey by the Pew Research Center reveals widespread pessimism regarding the impact of artificial intelligence on the labor market. In 34 of 37 countries surveyed, the most common expectation is that AI will lead to job losses rather than growth. This anxiety is particularly pronounced in high-income nations, including the United States, Australia, and South Korea, where over 70% of respondents anticipate job reductions.

Beyond employment, there are significant concerns regarding economic inequality. Many respondents believe AI will widen the gap between the wealthy and the poor. In Argentina, for instance, 47% of people expect job reductions, while a high proportion remain uncertain about the technology's overall impact on inequality.

Industry-specific reports highlight varying levels of adoption and disruption. In the hospitality sector, while over half of hotels are adopting generative AI, the actual operational impact remains limited due to concerns over data privacy and governance. In Spain, 87% of companies are using AI in influencer marketing campaigns, often deciding on contracts before human review. Meanwhile, in human resources, 83% of companies admit they have not yet reached optimal digitalization, with AI integration still in its early stages.

In the journalism sector, professionals emphasize that while AI can handle quantitative tasks, human oversight remains essential for editorial hierarchy, fact-checking, and sensitive coverage. There is also a noted gap in communication, as many journalists are unaware of the AI protocols established by their respective media organizations.