A new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that 71% of Americans believe artificial intelligence will permanently eliminate too many jobs, confirming widespread fears that automation poses a long-term threat to the U.S. workforce. The national survey, conducted from August 13 to 18, included responses from 4,446 adults and highlights a deep skepticism toward the future role of AI in society.
The data reveals broad concern across employment, politics, ethics, and environmental impact—issues that are gaining urgency as AI continues expanding into key sectors of the economy.
The strongest concern among respondents centered on job displacement. More than seven in ten said they feared AI would permanently replace human labor across industries. The concern crosses political and demographic lines, with only a small minority expressing confidence that new job categories would offset those losses.
Beyond employment, 77% of those polled expressed fear over AI’s ability to generate politically manipulative deepfake videos and false narratives, posing risks to elections and democratic stability. The study also found that 61% are worried about the energy demands of AI systems, which require massive computing power and contribute to increased electricity consumption and environmental strain.
On military applications, nearly half of respondents—48%—opposed using AI to select strike targets, while only 24% expressed support. The rest remained unsure or neutral. Meanwhile, 66% said they were uncomfortable with the idea of AI companions replacing real human relationships.
The poll also showed division over AI in education. While 40% viewed its use in schools negatively, 36% saw potential benefits. The remaining respondents were undecided, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding AI’s role in classrooms.
The survey’s findings highlight a growing disconnect between AI’s rapid integration into daily life and public trust in the technology. With AI tools already deployed in hiring, content creation, transportation, and military strategy, the public’s hesitancy is likely to influence future regulatory and legislative action.
