New Poll Reveals Concern among Majority of US Voters Over AI Risks and Urgent Need for Federal Regulation
A recent survey conducted by the AI-focused think tank, Artificial Intelligence Policy Institute (AIPI), has uncovered a deep concern among the majority of United States voters regarding the risks associated with the development of artificial intelligence (AI). The poll, released on Wednesday, reveals that 62% of respondents expressed worry about AI, while only 21% mentioned excitement. An additional 16% remained neutral on the topic.
The survey, conducted in collaboration with YouGov, sought to gauge public sentiment towards AI and its potential implications. One of the most significant findings was the general consensus among voters that federal regulation is necessary to oversee the rapidly evolving technology, rather than relying on self-regulation by AI tech companies. The poll highlighted that 56% of respondents support federal regulation, while only 14% opposed it. Furthermore, a staggering 82% of participants expressed a lack of trust in tech company executives to make responsible decisions with regards to AI, with only 13% placing faith in their judgment.
Daniel Colson, the executive director of AIPI, emphasized the clear message conveyed by the data: Americans are wary about the next stages of AI and want policymakers to step in to develop it responsibly. A significant majority (82%) advocated for slowing down AI development, indicating a cautious approach. In contrast, only 8% favored accelerating its progress. The survey also unveiled that a striking 86% of participants believed that AI could inadvertently trigger a catastrophic event, while merely 7% considered such an outcome unlikely.
Notably, the poll showcased rare bipartisan agreement on the issue. A significant percentage of both Republicans (78%) and Democrats (75%) shared concerns about AI’s potential existential threat to humanity. Overall, 76% of voters expressed apprehension that machines could pose a future threat to the human race.
At a time when nearly every issue is polarized, there’s a broad consensus among Americans that policymakers need to decide what path AI development should take, remarked Colson, emphasizing the significance of the survey’s results.
The AIPI survey, involving 1,001 U.S. voters, was conducted from July 18 to July 21 and aimed to capture a comprehensive view of public opinion on AI-related matters. The think tank plans to release the complete findings on Thursday, shedding further light on voters’ views regarding measures pertaining to AI regulation.
This poll serves as a crucial reminder of the concerns surrounding the development of artificial intelligence. With an overwhelming majority of voters advocating for federal regulation, the call for policymakers to address the potential risks associated with AI becomes even more urgent. As AI continues to advance, striking a delicate balance between innovation and ensuring public safety remains a priority for both citizens and lawmakers alike.
