Workers See AI as a Tool for Inequality Rather Than Efficiency

The joint study by the Groundwork Collaborative and Ipsos paints a stark picture of public sentiment. Only one-third of US workers believe AI will improve their daily responsibilities. Conversely, two-thirds expect their jobs to become more difficult, fearing that the technology will ultimately lead to layoffs and heightened workplace demands. Elizabeth Pancotti, vice president of policy at Groundwork Collaborative, noted that employees view corporate promises of efficiency as a deceptive tactic.

Economic status plays a significant role in these perceptions. Workers earning over $100,000 annually were more than twice as likely to expect AI to benefit their roles compared to those making under $50,000. This divide extends to education levels as well, with college graduates expressing more optimism than those with a high school education or less. More than half of all respondents concluded that the widespread adoption of AI will primarily serve the interests of business owners and executives rather than the workforce.

Beyond individual job concerns, the broader societal impact is under scrutiny. Communities are increasingly organizing against the construction of AI data centers, citing concerns over massive resource consumption and the lack of permanent job creation. As the technology expands, workers report that their actual experience involves increased pressure to produce, contradicting the claims of AI proponents who focus on workplace support.