A Gallup poll released this week reveals a growing divide in how American workers view artificial intelligence, with adoption rates varying sharply by age, industry, and education level. While 35% of workers under 35 report regular AI use for tasks, only 12% of those over 55 do the same according to the survey of 5,000 employed adults.
Tech sector employees were nearly three times as likely to use AI tools compared to manufacturing workers (42% vs 15%). Analysts attribute this gap to differing job requirements and access to emerging technologies. “What we’re seeing is the early stages of a productivity revolution in knowledge work,” said one labor economist familiar with the data.
The resistance appears strongest among middle-skill workers earning $50,000-$100,000 annually, with 61% expressing concern about job displacement. White-collar professionals showed more optimism, with 54% believing AI would enhance rather than replace their roles. The survey was conducted March 10-15 with a ±2% margin of error.
Experts warn these disparities could exacerbate existing workplace inequalities. “Without proper training initiatives, we risk creating a two-tier workforce divided by digital literacy,” noted a Brookings Institution researcher. Several major corporations announced new AI upskilling programs this month, though labor advocates argue these efforts remain uneven across industries.