Stanford Study: No Widespread AI Job Loss, But Young Worker Employment Gap Widens to 19%

soumitrashukla9 · x · 2026-08-13

Stanford Digital Economy Lab released a revised study on AI's recent employment effects. Using ADP payroll data, researchers found no evidence of widespread, economy-wide job displacement caused by AI since ChatGPT's launch.

However, young workers (ages 22–25) in highly AI-exposed occupations are increasingly falling behind their less-exposed peers. As of June 2026, employment for these young workers stands 19% below expectations—a gap that has widened steadily from 15% in July 2025.

The adjustment is driven primarily by reduced hiring rather than increased separations. Declines are concentrated in occupations where AI automates tasks, while employment is flat or rising in roles where AI complements human workers.

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