AI experts are more optimistic about its job impact than the general public

AI experts are notably more optimistic about artificial intelligence’s impact on jobs and the economy than the general public, though they acknowledge certain occupations face significant disruption in the coming decades. According to a new Pew Research Center report, this perception gap illustrates the divide between those developing AI technologies and the workers potentially affected by them, highlighting both opportunities and challenges as automation accelerates across industries.

The big picture: 56% of AI experts believe artificial intelligence will positively impact the U.S. in the next 20 years, compared to just 17% of the general public.

• Experts overwhelmingly predict AI will improve how people perform their jobs, while also expressing more confidence about its positive effects on the overall economy.
• The research surveyed over 1,000 AI experts who work in or research the field, alongside more than 5,400 U.S. adults to compare perspectives.

Jobs at highest risk: Experts identified five occupations most likely to see workforce reductions due to AI within the next two decades.

• 73% of experts believe cashier positions will decline as automation technologies advance.
• 62% predict truck driving jobs will be disrupted as driverless vehicle technology improves, a view shared by only 33% of the general public.
• Journalists (60%), factory workers (60%), and software engineers (50%) round out the top five occupations experts believe will see significant workforce reductions.

Areas of agreement: Despite their differences, experts and the public share several perspectives on AI development.

• Both groups identify medical care as the area where AI could provide the most benefit.
• Neither group is confident that AI will positively impact accurate news reporting or election coverage.
• Experts and the general public share skepticism about government regulation of AI and whether U.S. companies will develop and use AI responsibly.

Why this matters: The perception gap between AI experts and the general public underscores communication challenges in helping workers prepare for technological transitions.

• Jeff Gottfried, Pew‘s associate director of research, notes the findings reinforce years of studies showing Americans’ concerns about job displacement and diminished human connection.
• Despite experts’ optimism, their acknowledgment of specific job categories at risk suggests targeted workforce development and transition planning will be necessary.