Persistent Pessimism Surrounding the U.S. Economy
Sentiments regarding the trajectory of the U.S. economy remain bleak this month, as negative perceptions continue to dominate — a trend that has persisted for several years. Concerns regarding the job market, in particular, exacerbate this atmospheric discontent.
Amidst a year marked by numerous proclamations about innovations in artificial intelligence, public skepticism grows over the potential repercussions of AI on employment opportunities.
The proportion of individuals asserting that the economy is worsening has notably increased, influenced by rising costs that weigh heavily on collective sentiments.
The evaluation of prices stands as the primary metric for gauging the broader economic landscape. In recent weeks, a significant number of individuals have reported an increase in the prices of goods and services they frequently purchase.
Furthermore, anticipation of continued price hikes lingers, despite relatively favorable assessments regarding gas prices.
Evaluating the Job Market
More than half of Americans categorize the current job market as unfavorable, representing a shift towards greater negativity compared to six months ago, when opinions were more nuanced. This perception may reflect apprehensions about job prospects.
While most employed individuals express a degree of job security, a prevailing belief exists that finding a desirable position would be a challenging endeavor.
When reflecting on long-term trends, the outlook appears murky, with a majority of Americans believing there are now fewer quality job opportunities compared to five years prior. Even among individuals who feel secure in their current positions, there remains a consensus that good jobs are in decline.
As is common with economic evaluations, political affiliation colors perceptions of the job market. Republicans tend to view both the job market and the overall economy in a more favorable light compared to their Democratic counterparts.
In light of ongoing discussions regarding the potential impacts of AI across diverse sectors, a general wariness prevails among the populace.
Many foresee an overall negative effect of AI on job availability within their respective fields over the next decade, a sentiment shared by both employed individuals and those seeking work.
Moreover, there exists a broader belief that the advancement of AI technologies and companies could detrimentally affect the U.S. economy as a whole. This viewpoint transcends educational and income divides, although it is somewhat less pronounced among younger demographics.
Nevertheless, some contend that, should jobs become available, they could potentially be easier to perform due to AI assistance.
Overall, assessments of the U.S. economy, which have consistently skewed negative for years, continue a gradual decline from summer figures. Those in higher income brackets often report more favorable personal financial conditions compared to their lower-income counterparts; however, majorities across income levels acknowledge rising prices.
This CBS News/YouGov survey was conducted with a nationally representative sample of 2,489 U.S. adults interviewed between September 30 and October 2, 2025.
The sample was weighted to accurately reflect demographics based on gender, age, race, and education, using data from the U.S. Census American Community Survey and Current Population Survey. The margin of error is ±2.2 points.
Source link: Cbsnews.com.
