Women are more cautious about artificial intelligence, according to a peer-reviewed study published in PNAS Nexus on January 20, 2026. The research examined public attitudes in the United States and Canada and found that women rate AI as riskier than men, a gap tied to risk behavior and job exposure.
What changed in women’s views on AI
The study was led by Beatrice Magistro of Northeastern University. Researchers surveyed nearly 3,000 adults. Participants rated whether the risks of generative AI outweigh its benefits. Men recorded an average score of 4.38 out of 10. Women recorded 4.87, about 11 percent higher.
How the study measured risk
Researchers tested general risk tolerance using lottery-style choices. Respondents chose between guaranteed smaller rewards and higher-risk options with larger payouts. Women selected safer options more often. This pattern aligned with their higher AI risk scores, linking broader risk aversion to technology concerns.
Impact on jobs and workers
To assess exposure, the study used education levels and job categories. Women appeared more likely to work in roles vulnerable to automation and technological change. That exposure helped explain why they expressed greater caution about AI adoption in workplaces.
When asked open-ended questions, women more often voiced uncertainty or limited perceived benefits. However, responses shifted when clear workplace advantages were shown. In scenarios where AI improved employee outcomes, women supported adoption at rates close to men.
Why the findings matter now
The authors stated that AI policy design needs to reflect gender-specific exposure and concerns. Without targeted safeguards, uneven adoption could widen labor gaps or slow acceptance of new systems across affected sectors.
