AI Widens U.S. Wealth Gap as Nearly 70% Fear Automation Will Cause Mass Unemployment

Generative AI is accelerating corporate automation while raising questions about who will reap the productivity gains. The wealth gap could widen if low- and middle-income workers bear the initial burden of layoffs and wage cuts while technology companies and capital owners capture most of the profits. Blue Rose Research therefore examined AI alongside the U.S. cost-of-living crisis and job security.

Blue Rose Research conducted an online survey on March 10–11, 2026. It found that 68% viewed AI as a machine that exacerbates wealth inequality, 79% worried the government had no plan to protect people who lose their jobs, and 77% feared industries would disappear faster than new jobs could be created. Another 55% said technology companies should bear financial responsibility for jobs eliminated by AI, while 27% supported taxing people with more than $50 million in assets.