Americans More Concerned Than Excited About AI

Americans are showing greater concern than excitement about the increasing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in society. A new survey sheds light on public sentiment regarding this advancing technology.

The “Americans on AI” poll, launched by the nonprofit Athena Insights and shared with The Hill, reveals that most Americans have established views on AI despite their level of interaction with the technology. When participants were asked about AI’s “growing role” in society, 28% of the 1,814 surveyed expressed being “very concerned” while 37% were “somewhat concerned.” In contrast, 6% felt “very excited” and 18% were “somewhat excited.” A small fraction, 1%, did not have an answer, while 9% believed the options did not fully reflect their sentiments.

Despite differing political stances in Washington on managing AI’s challenges, the survey’s results were similar across party lines. The survey, which will be repeated biweekly over the next year, aims to track changes in public opinion on AI. Colin Hyatt Bortner from Athena Insights explained the survey’s intent: “We aimed for neutrality in the survey tool believing that negative impacts of AI will become evident in data, which then influences policy. Conversely, we also explore AI’s potential for medical and scientific progress and healthcare improvements.”

Results from this ongoing feedback can be game-changing, providing vital information to policymakers. For more details, visit the full report on TheHill.com.

Stay informed with The Hill’s Technology newsletter. Julia Shapero and Miranda Nazzaro cover advancements from Capitol Hill to Silicon Valley.

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