The older and richer you are, the more you like artificial intelligence.

A new study reveals that older and wealthier individuals tend to have more positive views toward artificial intelligence, while younger adults, particularly those aged 18 to 24, show the most pessimistic attitudes. The research, conducted by the organization Public First and shared with POLITICO, highlights how life experience and financial stability influence perceptions of AI's potential benefits and risks. The survey found that greater age and financial security correlate with more optimistic opinions about artificial intelligence and its capabilities. Younger respondents, especially those in their early twenties, expressed concerns over AI’s impact on personal abilities and career advancement. Despite being the most frequent users of the technology, nearly a third of this group fears that AI will hinder critical thinking, while another third believes it will make developing professional skills harder. This age group was also the most skeptical when considering AI’s broader implications. When asked about issues related to careers, such as problem-solving independently or learning from mentors, they were the most pessimistic. In contrast, those aged 35 to 44, who use AI as intensively as younger individuals, showed significantly more optimism. Only 19 percent of those aged 18 to 24 believed AI would improve both their personal circumstances and society overall, compared to 28 percent of the older group. Although they had access to similar AI tools, the older group possessed more professional experience and expertise. Among all participants, those described as financially very well-off exhibited the highest level of optimism. Nearly 43 percent of them anticipated that AI would further enhance their personal situations and benefit society as a whole. This contrasts sharply with the poorest demographic, where only 18 percent held such expectations. A majority of 51 percent among the poorest group feared that AI would negatively affect both themselves and society. The researchers emphasized that financial insecurity does not directly cause pessimism, but noted that young adults entering the job market often lack the financial and professional stability enjoyed by older groups. As a result, their concerns about AI seem to stem from existing uncertainties rather than solely from the technology itself. Similar patterns emerged when participants considered the future. Responses to questions about how AI might affect their economic status revealed consistent links between financial security and optimism. Those with greater financial stability tended to view AI more favorably, suggesting that economic conditions play a crucial role in shaping public sentiment. The findings underscore the complex relationship between age, income, and perception of emerging technologies. While AI continues to shape various aspects of daily life, the varying levels of trust and optimism among different demographics highlight the need for targeted communication strategies to address concerns and promote understanding.