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AI's Impact on Society Remains Controversial, According to Fresh Poll Results

U.S. residents show a narrow division on whether AI will positively, negatively, or have no significant impact on their individual lives and professions. The nation exhibits similar divide on whether it will be beneficial or detrimental for society and future generations, yet few believe it...

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U.S. DEBATE DIVIDED OVER AI IMPACT: Americans show equally mixed opinions on whether AI will...
U.S. DEBATE DIVIDED OVER AI IMPACT: Americans show equally mixed opinions on whether AI will positively, negatively, or have neutral effects on their personal lives and professions. The nation is equally divided on its societal and generational impact, with hardly any considering it entirely beneficial or detrimental.

AI and You: A Mixed Bag of Expectations and Apprehensions

AI's Impact on Society Remains Controversial, According to Fresh Poll Results

In the heart of Washington, opinions about artificial intelligence (AI) are as divided as a freshly baked pie. The latest survey conducted by Public First in partnership with the Center for Data Innovation reveals that while Americans are intensely curious about AI, feelings of worry, anxiety, and fear have gradually increased.

The nationwide survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults aims to gauge how public perceptions of AI have evolved since the last survey conducted by Public First. It appears that while folks have started to notice the recent acceleration of AI technology, feelings of apprehension are on the rise.

Vinous Ali, Managing Director at Public First, shares, "There's no denying that Americans have noticed the steady advancements in AI. However, opinions are polarized - some see the prospects of an AI tutor, coach, or even relationship as enticing, while others fear the consequences of misinformation, automation, and superintelligence."

Nearly six in ten Americans (59 percent) think AI will lead to higher unemployment, yet less than one-third of American workers (28 percent) have used an AI chatbot at work. Among those who have, a staggering 68 percent find it helpful, and 38 percent depend on it as a regular, essential tool.

Meanwhile, 70 percent of Americans would support AI in diagnosing health conditions, double-checked by a human. Even more intriguingly, 43 percent of male Americans under 35 express interest in an AI girlfriend or boyfriend.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the greatest concern revolves around the potential for AI-generated content to manipulate elections. An alarming 71 percent of Americans are worried about this, with both Democrats and Republicans sharing this concern almost equally.

When it comes to AI policy, 60 percent of Americans suggest taking a cautious approach before implementing new laws and regulations to avoid unforeseen consequences. When deciding between domestic priorities-namely staying at the technological forefront or developing AI thoughtfully, even if it allows countries like China to take the lead- opinions are split, with 43 percent preferring to stay at the frontier, and 35 percent advocating for responsible development.

Daniel Castro, director of the Center for Data Innovation, remarks, "Policymakers have their work cut out for them. Not only must they realize initiatives that will keep the U.S. at the forefront of the AI revolution, but they must also cultivate public support for these initiatives."

The briefing event, livestreamed from Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on Tuesday at noon Eastern, will delve deeper into these findings.

Highlights from the survey include:

  • 32 percent of U.S. adults believe AI will make things better for them personally.
  • When considering AI's impact on society, 38 percent of Americans think it will make things better, while 35 percent believe it will make things worse.
  • Curiosity about AI has dropped since last year, with 39 percent expressing interest in 2023, down from 42 percent in 2022.
  • Across emotional spectrums, 37 percent report being worried about AI, up from 32 percent in 2023; 28 percent admit to to being anxious, up from 23 percent; and 23 percent reveal a fear, up from 19 percent.

Curious about how AI can be put to personal use? A majority of Americans express interest in employing AI for a variety of purposes, from acquiring new knowledge to conserving energy, managing health and fitness, and even finding financial guidance. Even more appealingly, younger generations under 35 harbor keen interest in AI personal assistants, tutors, workout coaches, and financial advisors.

While AI presents exciting opportunities, substantial concerns persist. Notably, 62 percent of Americans are concerned about the potential impact of misinformation on the U.S. election, with 46 percent expressing doubt in their ability to detect fake AI-generated content. Additionally, 59 percent think AI is likely to increase unemployment, and only 7 percent believe it is likely to enhance workers' wages.

Voters are split regarding AI-related policies, with a majority supporting clear labeling of AI-generated content, banning the use of AI-generated content for political campaigns, and holding AI companies legally accountable. However, introducing new taxes on AI models, banning new research into AI, and increasing government funding for AI research attract more opposition than support.

Castro concludes, "Maintaining the U.S.'s lead in AI and ensuring responsible innovation is a complex task that requires coordination and collaboration between the public and private sectors and a regulatory environment that fosters sensible growth."

  • Read the full report (PDF).
  • Register for the briefing event.
  1. Polarized opinions about artificial intelligence (AI) exist in the United States, with curiosity coexisting with growing concerns and fears.
  2. The recent advancements in AI technology have become more noticeable to Americans, yet apprehension concerning misinformation, automation, and superintelligence is on the rise.
  3. The survey revealed that while nearly six in ten Americans fear AI may lead to higher unemployment, less than one-third have used AI chatbots at work, with many finding them helpful and essential.
  4. A significant number of Americans are supportive of AI in diagnosing health conditions, and over two-thirds are concerned about the potential for AI-generated content to manipulate elections.
  5. When deciding between domestic priorities, Americans are split, with opinions leaning towards staying at the technological forefront while ensuring AI is developed thoughtfully to avoid unfavorable consequences.
  6. Artificial intelligence policy in the United States indicates a need for cautious approach before implementing new laws and regulations, with over half of Americans favoring a careful approach.
  7. The report highlights the need for policymakers to implement initiatives that maintain the U.S.'s lead in AI while ensuring responsible innovation, taking into account concerns about misinformation and unemployment, and fostering a regulatory environment that promotes sensible growth.

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