Gender Gap in AI Adoption: Insights from the 2026 Survey

The 2026 CNBC SurveyMonkey Women at Work survey reveals a significant gender gap in attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. Conducted from February 10 to February 16, 2026, with 6,330 participants, the survey highlights that 69% of men view AI as a "valuable assistant and collaborator," compared to only 61% of women. Furthermore, half of the women surveyed express skepticism about AI, feeling that "using AI at work feels like cheating," a sentiment shared by only 43% of men.

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The survey indicates that men are more likely to utilize AI tools in their work environments. Approximately 64% of women report never using AI at work, in contrast to 55% of men. Among frequent users, 14% of men claim to use AI "multiple times a day," while only 9% of women report the same. This disparity raises concerns about the long-term implications for women's career advancement in an increasingly AI-driven job market.

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Sheryl Sandberg, founder of LeanIn.Org and former Meta operating chief, emphasizes the potential consequences of this gender gap. She warns that if women do not engage with AI training at the same rate as men, they may face significant challenges in their careers. Sandberg states, "We know that AI is going to be challenging for jobs, and it's going to be the most challenging for the people that don't know how to use those tools." This gap could hinder women's chances for early promotions, particularly to managerial positions, thereby affecting their career trajectories.

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JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has highlighted the critical role of AI in the future of business, noting that nearly two-thirds of the company utilizes an internal large language model. He acknowledges the potential for AI to eliminate jobs but advocates for retraining employees to adapt to these changes. The survey findings suggest that while men express a desire for more training in AI, with 59% indicating they need additional skills, women show a stronger resistance to the notion that failing to embrace AI will lead to missed opportunities.

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Critics of the current trends argue that the gender disparity in AI adoption could exacerbate existing inequalities in the workplace. The reluctance of women to engage with AI tools may not only hinder their professional growth but also have broader economic implications, as Sandberg points out. The potential for "disproportionate impacts" on women's careers could ultimately be detrimental to both companies and the economy as a whole.

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As the AI landscape continues to evolve, the need for targeted initiatives to encourage women's participation in AI training becomes increasingly urgent. Addressing this gender gap will be essential for fostering an equitable workplace and ensuring that women do not fall behind in the rapidly changing job market.

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