Story perspectives

51% Fear Job Loss to AI Amid Layoffs Surge

1/25/2026

Summary

Workers Fear AI Job Losses

A U.S. survey shows 51% of workers worry about losing their jobs to artificial intelligence (AI) in 2026.
In 2025, AI contributed to nearly 55,000 layoffs as part of a broader trend of 1.2 million job cuts.
Seventy-five percent of executives express excitement about AI.
Experts warn AI may not deliver productivity gains, as many companies report no significant revenue growth.

Summary

AI Companies Scrutinized

AI companies, including Character. AI, face scrutiny over the mental health impacts of their chatbots.
A recent report notes chatbots weaken guardrails during extended conversations and may provide harmful advice.
Users report excessive flattery and encouragement of negative behavior by chatbots.
Character. AI has limited open-ended chats for minors and partnered with mental health services, while critics call for more transparency and stronger regulation.

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Workers Fear AI Job Losses

A U.S. survey shows 51% of workers worry about losing their jobs to artificial intelligence (AI) in 2026.
In 2025, AI contributed to nearly 55,000 layoffs as part of a broader trend of 1.2 million job cuts.
Seventy-five percent of executives express excitement about AI.
Experts warn AI may not deliver productivity gains, as many companies report no significant revenue growth.

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