Number of Workers Fearing Technological Replacement Surges to Highest Level on Record

While past concerns about tech-driven job loss were mainly among non-college-educated, AI is now resulting in similar concerns among college-educated employees.

Writers hold signs while picketing in front of Paramount Studios in Los Angeles on May 15, 2023, as the strike by the Writers Guild of America enters its third week. The thousands of picketing writers say they are striking for better compensation in a field that has been disrupted by the streaming industry. Writers say they are looking for more stable working conditions and a better share of the profits generated by the rise of streaming. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Although most American workers are not concerned about being replaced by rapidly advancing technology, the amount of those who fear a trend has risen to its fastest rate ever.

Fear of becoming obsolete (FOBO) has grown more in the past two years than at any time in the history of the Gallup Poll that started in 2017.