Pew Research's latest survey, which questioned 42,151 people from 37 countries, reveals a global fear of AI as a job destroyer. In 34 of the 37 surveyed countries, people are more pessimistic about AI creating new jobs than eliminating old ones. This fear is particularly acute in Australia, South Korea, and the US, where 76 percent and 71 percent of people, respectively, believe AI will lead to job losses.

Interestingly, the survey also found that people in wealthier countries are more likely to worry that AI will increase income inequality. Those in countries leaning left politically tend to be the most concerned. Age, too, plays a role: older adults are more worried about AI's impact on their daily lives, while younger adults, aged 18-34, are more ambivalent about its effects.

However, the mood isn't entirely negative. A global median of 41 percent of respondents feel equally concerned and excited about AI's presence in daily life, compared to 37 percent who are primarily concerned and just 13 percent who are primarily excited. This suggests that while worry is prevalent, so too is a sense of curiosity and potential for change.

Despite the apocalyptic warnings, the Pew survey paints a nuanced picture. While younger demographics in countries like Sweden, Poland, Japan, Australia, Brazil, and the US are increasingly concerned about job losses and inequality, older generations in the same countries are more likely to be affected by these fears. This age divide in perception could be a significant factor in how societies adapt to an AI-driven future.