According to a recent poll issued on Wednesday, the majority of US voters are concerned about the hazards associated with the advancement of artificial intelligence.
The Artificial Intelligence Policy Institute poll indicated that only 21% of respondents are excited about AI, while 62% of respondents are apprehensive about it. 16% of respondents have a neutral opinion on the matter.
AI Development Concerns Spark Demand for Government Regulation
Voters favor government regulation of the rapidly developing technology over industry self-regulation by AI tech companies.
In the study, 56% said they supported federal regulation, 14% said they didn’t, and 82% said they didn’t trust leaders of tech companies to use their own invention to make sensible decisions.
The data is unambiguous: According to Daniel Colson, executive director of AIPI, Americans are concerned about the development of artificial intelligence in its later stages and want governments to step in to do so responsibly.
Eighty-two percent favor sluggish AI growth, while only 8% favor rapid AI development. A staggering 86% of respondents stated they think AI could unintentionally trigger a catastrophic disaster, while 7% said they think that outcome is unlikely.
The poll’s consensus, which is uncommon on both sides of the political spectrum, is even more noteworthy.
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Republicans and Democrats Share AI Existential Concerns
Republicans and Democrats both expressed concern that AI posed an existential threat to the human race, with 78% of Republicans and 75% of Democrats sharing this concern.
76% of voters nationwide expressed concern about machines endangering people in the future.
Americans generally agree that authorities need to decide what direction AI development should go at a time when almost every subject is divisive.
For the national poll, AIPI and YouGov interviewed 1,001 US citizens between July 18 and July 21. On Thursday, the think tank will provide the complete findings about voters’ opinions of AI-related policies.
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