AI Survey Predicts Decline in Human Skills by 2035: Experts Warn of Long-Term Impact
A recent survey by the Elon University Poll, in collaboration with the Imagining the Digital Future Center, reveals growing public concern about the negative effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on essential human capacities by 2035.
Conducted from July 17-20, 2025, the survey of 1,005 American adults highlights fears that AI could erode core traits like social and emotional intelligence, empathy, moral judgment, and the ability to think deeply about complex issues.
Over half of respondents believe AI’s impact on these qualities will be more negative than positive, with specific concerns about diminished individual agency, confidence in personal abilities, and self-identity.
The survey, detailed in the 285-page report “Being Human in 2035: How Are We Changing in the Age of AI?,” presented at RTI International in Durham, underscores a striking shift in public perception.
For instance, 49% of respondents predict a negative impact on empathy and moral judgment, compared to just 8% who see positive effects.
Similarly, 53% expect a decline in the capacity for deep thinking, while only 14% anticipate improvement. Social and emotional intelligence faces the starkest outlook, with a 6-to-1 ratio of negative to positive predictions.
These findings challenge the notion that “soft skills” will remain immune to AI’s influence, as many fear it could undermine the qualities that define humanity.
Lee Rainie, director of the Imagining the Digital Future Center, emphasized the significance of these results, noting that they raise “stark questions about the impact of AI on the essence of being human.”
Unlike experts, who were less pessimistic, the public expressed greater uncertainty, often opting not to respond to questions due to doubt. This discrepancy suggests a broader unease about AI’s trajectory.
For users and businesses, these findings signal a need to address AI’s societal implications proactively. Companies developing AI must prioritize ethical frameworks to mitigate potential harm, while individuals may need to adapt by strengthening uniquely human skills.
As AI integration deepens, industries like education and healthcare could face pressure to balance efficiency with preserving human connection.
FAQ
How will AI impact human skills by 2035?
The Elon University Poll suggests AI may negatively affect skills like empathy, social intelligence, and deep thinking, with over half of Americans predicting a decline in these areas by 2035.
Why are people concerned about AI’s effects?
Many fear AI could diminish core human traits, such as moral judgment and self-identity, challenging the belief that “soft skills” will remain unaffected as AI advances.
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