Artificial intelligence continues to stir up discussion, and a recent poll highlights that many voters view it as a threat, particularly to privacy and jobs, resulting in a predominantly negative sentiment overall.
The survey, which came out on Thursday, indicates that voters perceive AI as being more harmful than beneficial in various aspects of life—personal, national, and global alike.
When it comes to privacy, voters rated AI negatively by a 50-point margin (63% believe it harms privacy, while only 13% see it as beneficial). For job creation in the U.S., the difference is 35 points (56% harm vs. 21% benefit). In other noted areas, such as the national economy (15 points negative), daily life (5 points), and personal privacy (4 points), the sentiment was similarly skeptical.
The poll did reveal one area where AI is viewed positively: competitiveness with other countries. Here, 38% believe it will help, while 32% see it as harmful.
Interestingly, a significant portion of respondents feels that AI hasn’t really changed much in their lives. For instance, 43% say it has made no difference in their personal lives, while 30% feel the same about the economy.
Looking at how different groups perceive AI, Democrats and independents generally express more concern about its effects than other voters do. It’s worth noting that younger voters, particularly those under 30, are more inclined to see AI as harmful. Conversely, voters aged 65 and above tend to view AI as mostly detrimental, with the exception of its potential impact on global competitiveness.
This overall perception seems to be affecting opinions on AI, with only 43% viewing it favorably, contrasted with 54% who have an unfavorable outlook.
Support for AI is higher among certain demographics: 54% of those in households earning over $100,000 and 53% of Republicans view it positively. In contrast, groups contributing to a more negative perception include 64% of independents, 61% of Democrats, and 60% of women without college degrees.
When it came to which political party would handle AI better, voters were nearly split: 51% favored Democrats, while 46% chose Republicans. This result is close enough to suggest there’s no clear winner. More independents lend their support to Democrats (54% vs. 46%), and a notable number of self-identified Republicans—13%—indicate they have switched to the Democratic party.
