Is AI Killing the American Dream?

Pessimism about the American dream is on the rise, according to the latest survey by the Archbridge Institute, a nonpartisan, independent public policy think tank.

A third of respondents said the American dream was out of reach. That is the highest level since the poll was first run in 2020, after dipping to just 18% in 2022.

Younger Americans are the least optimistic. Some 45% of the 18-29 age group say it is out of reach.

That still leaves 67% who say they have achieved or are pursuing the American dream.

One reason for the pessimism is AI. The poll of 2,100 adults, released just ahead of the Fourth of July, found that 48% believe that technological development will stand in their way.

Gonzalo Schwarz, chief executive of Archbridge, said the American dream was still alive.

“While Americans are increasingly pessimistic about affordability and AI in today’s America, there is still overwhelming consensus that the American Dream is achievable across demographic groups and regardless of political party,” he said.

“This bodes well for national unity. We simply cannot afford to lose hope in the American Dream as our most unifying national ethos.”