Gen X Least Freaked Out by AI in Pew Survey
Gen X is 8x less excited but also less worried than other age groups...
Pew Research’s latest AI sentiment survey reveals a growing divide in American attitudes toward artificial intelligence, with Gen X (ages 50-64) emerging as the outlier. While 52% of Americans overall report being more concerned than excited about AI—a figure tied for the highest level of concern ever recorded—Gen X is defying this trend. Fewer respondents in this age group have expressed concern in each of the past four surveys, dropping from 59% in 2023 to 52% in 2025. Notably, only 8% of Gen X respondents reported being more excited than concerned, indicating a cautious rather than enthusiastic embrace of AI.
The survey also highlights a persistent fear among Gen X about job displacement, with 72% now believing there will be fewer jobs over the next 20 years, up from 69% in 2024. This demographic’s sentiment contrasts sharply with younger Americans under 30, 55% of whom are more concerned than excited—marking the first time this group has been so pessimistic. Despite these differences, Pew notes that the overall responses from Gen X aren’t drastically different from other age groups when viewed collectively, leaving researchers puzzled by the subtle but persistent trend.
- Gen X (50-64yo) is the only age group showing a declining trend in AI concern over four years (59% in 2023 → 52% in 2025).
- 72% of Gen X respondents fear job losses over the next 20 years, up from 69% in 2024.
- Americans under 30 are now 55% more concerned than excited about AI, the first time this group has been so pessimistic.
Why It Matters
Understanding age-based AI sentiment helps tailor communication and policy strategies for workforce adaptation.