New Research Highlights Low-Wage Workers' Anxiety Over AI

A groundbreaking study released on Friday by Merit America and HarrisX sheds new light on how the artificial intelligence boom is viewed by the American workforce, specifically those earning under $50,000 annually. The findings reveal a significant level of anxiety among low-wage workers, many of whom fear that AI technology will undermine their job security or force them into unwanted career changes. Unlike higher-income professionals who may view AI as a productivity tool, this demographic perceives it as a destabilizing force that could render their current roles obsolete without offering a clear path forward.

The report also highlights a critical gap in preparedness, driven largely by the affordability crisis. While there is a high demand for quality job training and reskilling programs, skyrocketing living costs—particularly housing—are preventing many workers from investing in the education needed to adapt to an AI-driven economy. A majority of respondents expressed skepticism about the value of traditional higher education, preferring faster, more flexible training options. The research underscores the urgent need for accessible workforce development strategies that can bridge the digital divide and ensure that the benefits of technological progress do not leave the most vulnerable segments of the workforce behind.