The poll from Quinnipiac University reveals a significant majority of Americans (91%) prioritize establishing safety benchmarks for artificial intelligence (AI) systems, even if it might slow technological advancement. This reflects growing concerns about the risks associated with AI, with 81% believing safety should take precedence over innovation.
Key findings include:
– A majority (53%) of Americans feel AI may bring more harm than good to their daily lives.
– Skepticism towards AI industry leaders is high, with 74% expressing distrust.
– 73% are worried about AI posing existential threats, and nearly 80% support halting AI development for greater understanding of safety risks.
This poll comes amid governmental pressures for the AI industry to self-regulate, following discussions between President Trump and tech leaders, who agreed to some voluntary safety measures. Additionally, local opposition to AI infrastructure is rising, with 72% opposing new data centers due to concerns over increased electricity prices and potential job losses.
The survey indicates a complex balancing act between maintaining technological progress and addressing public safety and ethical concerns about AI.
