AI Exposure Linked to Declining Employment Among Young Workers, Stanford Study Finds

Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing hiring patterns, with young workers appearing to face greater employment pressure in occupations where AI can perform or automate a larger share of tasks.

A Stanford study found that employment among workers aged 22 to 25 in highly AI-exposed occupations fell by around 11% between November 2022 and June 2026. During the same period, employment for workers in the same age group in less AI-exposed occupations increased by approximately 10%.

The findings highlight a growing difference in employment outcomes at the beginning of workers' careers. According to the researchers, companies may be reducing hiring of young workers in roles that are more exposed to AI rather than broadly replacing existing employees with the technology.

This trend could create longer-term challenges, as entry-level positions have traditionally helped workers gain the experience required to move into higher-level roles.

The research, titled Canaries in the Coal Mine? Six Facts about the Recent Employment Effects of Artificial Intelligence, was conducted by Stanford researchers Erik Brynjolfsson, Bharat Chandar and Ruyu Chen. The study examined ADP payroll data covering millions of workers in the United States through June 2026.