AI, rising costs, climate change among key youth concerns: WEF report

Financial strain is the foremost source of stress for young people, of whom many believe Artificial Intelligence (AI) may reduce entry-level job opportunities, according to 'Youth Pulse 2026', the World Economic Forum's (WEF's) flagship report on youth perspectives, released on Monday.

- RUCHIKA CHITRAVANSHI

The WEF's survey of nearly 4,600 young people from 489 locations worldwide found half viewing inflation and instability as the greatest threats to their lives and deepening inequality as the leading economic trend shaping the future.

While 51 per cent of respondents cited inflation and instability as their greatest personal worries, 41 per cent viewed climate change as the second most significant threat to their own lives.

Around 60 per cent of youngsters surveyed said that they used AI regularly to enhance their skills even as 66 per cent said that AI will reduce the number of entry-level roles available over the next three years, reflecting concern about automation's impact on early career pathways. Only a small minority have not yet engaged with AI tools.