Americans Concerned About AI’s Growing Role
A recent poll by Athena Insights reveals that many Americans express more worry than excitement about the rise of artificial intelligence in daily life. Released on Tuesday, the survey indicates that 28% of participants feel “very concerned” about AI’s increasing presence in society. In contrast, only 6% of respondents reported being “very excited,” while 18% felt “somewhat excited.” Additionally, 37% acknowledged they were “somewhat concerned.”
Interestingly, just 1% of those surveyed refrained from sharing their opinions on AI, and 9% felt that the options provided didn’t accurately reflect their views. Colin Hyatt-Boatner, research leader at Athena Insights, noted that they aimed for a neutral approach to gauge public sentiment, suggesting that negative perceptions of AI would likely influence future policy.
About 70% of respondents stated that AI is already a part of their lives, regardless of their preferences. Meanwhile, 15% believed individuals could still determine their level of engagement with AI. Fourteen percent indicated that neither of these statements resonated with their feelings, and 2% chose not to respond.
The survey also showed that approximately 70% think AI complicates the ability to discern reality. Furthermore, there’s an alarming rise of around 20% among respondents who believe the U.S. government isn’t doing enough to address AI’s potential effects on youth, the environment, and job security.
Concerns about AI are intensifying. A previous Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated that about half of Americans fear job loss due to AI advancements. This rising anxiety is exacerbating challenges for recent graduates and young professionals who struggle to secure entry-level jobs, as reported by CNBC.
Although analysts have stated that AI tools haven’t fully replaced certain human skills, the ongoing conversation surrounding AI’s impact on society continues to grow. The current Athena Insights poll surveyed 1,814 Americans between June 24-29, with a margin of error of 3.4 percentage points.
