ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Young Americans Fear AI More Than Young Chinese Due to Economic Differences

ai-technology · 2026-06-27

A recent survey conducted in China involving over 7,000 participants revealed that 96% are aware of AI, with 54% actively using it. Notably, 40% incorporate AI into their work, studies, or daily routines, a figure that far surpasses that of the US. According to the Edelman Trust Barometer, 87% of Chinese individuals express trust in AI, compared to only 32% in the US. Conversely, the Harvard Youth Poll indicates that 59% of Americans aged 18-29 feel AI poses a threat to their job opportunities. Additionally, Gallup found that 48% of Gen Z employees believe the risks of AI outweigh its advantages, an increase of 11 points from the previous year, while enthusiasm has decreased by 14 points. A Harris Poll suggests that nearly half of Gen Z feels AI has diminished the value of their degrees. This disparity arises from fundamentally different economic perspectives and job opportunities for youth in China and the US.

Key facts

  • Chinese survey of over 7,000 people: 96% awareness of AI, 54% usage
  • Over 40% of Chinese use AI in work, study, or daily life
  • Edelman Trust Barometer: 87% in China trust AI vs 32% in US
  • Harvard Youth Poll: 59% of US 18-29-year-olds believe AI threatens job prospects
  • Gallup: 48% of Gen Z workers think AI risks outweigh benefits (up 11 points)
  • Gallup: excitement about AI among Gen Z fell 14 points
  • Harris Poll: nearly half of Gen Zers believe AI made their degrees irrelevant
  • Different economic outlooks and job prospects underlie the attitude gap

Entities

Institutions

  • Edelman Trust Barometer
  • Harvard Youth Poll
  • Gallup
  • Harris Poll

Locations

  • China
  • United States

Sources