AI sentiment sours in Glassdoor reviews

The Glassdoor analysis shows AI sentiment in the workplace has shifted dramatically since 2019, when positive AI comments stood at 81 percent. By mid-2026, that figure had dropped to 43 percent, with negative sentiment climbing to 53 percent. This reversal suggests that as AI tools become more common in everyday work, employee enthusiasm is being replaced by practical frustrations.

The data reveals a clear split between those who benefit from AI and those who don't. The most detailed positive reviews come from "AI winners" (44 percent) and "AI users" (41 percent) who get proper tools and training. Meanwhile, negative comments cite forced adoption, distraction from core business, and surveillance. The analysis also shows that mention of AI jumps across nearly every profession once a role has a moderate exposure level, even for jobs where automation poses little threat.

The findings align with other studies, including a survey showing Gen Z is particularly critical of AI and a Stanford AI Index showing a massive perception gap between experts (73 percent positive) and the public (23 percent positive). Critics note Glassdoor reviews may not represent the entire workforce, but the shift over time appears more telling than the raw numbers.