Third of University Students Fear AI Job Losses Will Spark Social Unrest

New research from King's College London has revealed significant anxiety amongst university students regarding the societal impact of artificial intelligence. The survey found that a third of students in Great Britain believe AI will eliminate jobs so rapidly that it will lead to civil unrest, highlighting growing concerns about workforce disruption amongst the next generation of graduates. Despite these fears, the poll indicates that students are simultaneously the most enthusiastic adopters of AI technology, with 77% using it at least a few times a month and 27% engaging with it daily. This contrasts sharply with the wider working population, where only 46% report regular usage, and nearly half of the general public indicate they would prefer to avoid AI altogether. The findings raise important questions for local authorities and education leaders about how to prepare young people for an evolving labour market. As AI continues to reshape employment prospects across sectors, the survey underscores the need for robust skills development, career guidance, and support services to help students navigate the transition from education to an increasingly automated workplace.