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US Youth Concerns Over AI

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2026-08-11 12:34 UTC → 2026-08-25 09:35 UTC · added ~~removed~~

A Gallup poll of Americans aged 14–29 shows a rapid shift in sentiment toward artificial intelligence, with enthusiasm falling from 36% to 22% and anger rising from 22% to 31% over a year. Respondents expressed fears that AI weakens critical thinking, promotes laziness, and threatens jobs. This backlash has manifested in public settings, including heckling at graduation ceremonies and protests outside OpenAI’s San Francisco headquarters. Experts, including Michael Marinacio and Nicole Runton, have warned that AI chatbots, classroom devices, and smartphones are intensifying a mental health crisis. They link constant screen exposure and AI interactions to rising rates of depression, loneliness, and identity uncertainty. A 2024 study found that 67% of Generation Z report feeling lonely. A July 2026 YPulse survey found 37% of teens aged 13–17 feel embarrassed by AI-generated content, while more than half worry about misinformation and deepfakes. Over a quarter expect AI to have a negative societal impact within two decades. Educators note many youths dismiss AI-produced material with the phrase “this is AI.” Separately, U.S. youth unemployment has risen to 5.7%, the highest level since the 2009 financial crisis, as AI systems automate entry-level tasks like reporting and coding. This shift is influencing political discourse, with the Democratic Socialists of America backing candidates like Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, who argue that AI-driven job losses bolster support for progressive policies. ~~Upcoming state elections~~ New data from the Pew Research Center reinforces this trend of growing skepticism. For the first time since 2021, adults under 30 are ~~being watched as a test~~ more concerned than enthusiastic about AI. Approximately 73% of ~~how these economic pressures may reshape~~ adults aged 18 to 29 believe AI will reduce available jobs, up from 61% in 2024, specifically citing fears regarding the ~~political landscape.~~ displacement of entry-level positions.

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