Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making headlines for its transformative potential, but not all the news sparks excitement. A Reuters/Ipsos poll has revealed that 71% of Americans fear AI could permanently eliminate jobs, raising alarms across industries and households alike. Despite the United States maintaining a relatively low unemployment rate of 4.2% in July, the anxiety surrounding automation and machine learning continues to grow.
The survey gathered online responses from 4,446 adults, with a margin of error of about 2 percentage points. The results suggest that as AI adoption accelerates, so too does unease about its lasting consequences for employment, society, and the environment.
Job Security Concerns Take Center Stage
One of the most striking findings of the poll is the sheer number of people worried that AI could permanently eliminate jobs. More than seven in ten Americans believe that automation may lead to a future where machines replace human labor on a massive scale. While AI promises efficiency, reduced costs, and innovation, employees across sectors—from manufacturing to marketing—fear their livelihoods may not survive the technological shift.
This anxiety exists despite the current labor market remaining steady. Economists argue that technological disruptions historically create new job categories, but many workers are skeptical. The phrase “AI could permanently eliminate jobs” echoes across conversations, reflecting a generational worry that this time, unlike past industrial revolutions, machines might truly win the employment battle.
Beyond Jobs: Political, Military, and Social Fears
Interestingly, the Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals that concerns stretch far beyond employment. About 77% of respondents fear AI could be misused to create political chaos, particularly through deepfake videos and online misinformation campaigns. This resonates strongly in a politically divided era where trust in media and government is already fragile.
Military use of AI is another contentious area. Nearly half of Americans oppose using AI for targeting military strikes, while 28% remain uncertain. The worry isn’t just about accuracy—it’s about ethics and accountability. Who takes responsibility when AI could permanently eliminate jobs in the defense sector while simultaneously deciding matters of life and death?
Social relationships also come into question. Two-thirds of Americans are wary that AI-driven companions might replace genuine human interactions. Meanwhile, the poll found split opinions about AI’s role in education: 36% believe it could improve learning, while 40% remain skeptical.
Environmental and Workforce Impact of AI Growth
AI doesn’t just threaten jobs; it also impacts energy consumption. About 61% of respondents expressed concern about the electricity demands of AI data centers, which are notorious for straining power grids. As the workforce debates whether AI could permanently eliminate jobs, environmentalists point out that the race for smarter machines comes with a heavy carbon footprint.
Tech giants like Google are exploring partnerships with utility providers to reduce energy usage during peak hours. However, the tension remains between pushing forward with AI innovation and ensuring sustainable practices.
Americans Cautious as AI Moves Forward
The findings of the Reuters/Ipsos poll paint a picture of a nation both fascinated and fearful. While Silicon Valley giants like Meta, Alphabet, and Microsoft pour billions into AI development, ordinary Americans remain cautious about the future. The recurring thought that AI could permanently eliminate jobs is not simply a passing worry—it is a reflection of a deeper societal unease about how technology reshapes lives.
As policymakers, corporations, and workers navigate this uncertain terrain, one thing is clear: conversations about AI must go beyond hype and innovation. They must address the very real concerns of citizens who worry about employment, ethics, and the environment. Until then, the shadow of fear that AI could permanently eliminate jobs will continue to loom over America’s workforce.
