A growing number of American adults report feeling somewhat or very uncomfortable with the idea of artificial intelligence, defined as “computer programs that can mimic human thinking and possibly replace human activity in a number of areas.” More than two-thirds (69%) of adults in the CNBC All-American Economy Survey conducted this month, say they are “uncomfortable” with AI (https://lnkd.in/gNCEZ4y7). That unease has increased ten points from the last time this question was asked in 2016. Not surprisingly, this discomfort increases with age, with only 55% of 18-34 year olds feeling uncomfortable but 78% of those over 65 saying the same.
In a national survey we conducted in May, we asked voters nationwide for their thoughts on artificial intelligence in terms of how it might impact them, their jobs, or the economy. That lack of comfort quantified in the CNBC poll came through loud and clear:
“Dangerous, not enough known.”
“ I don’t like the idea of being fed information rather than exploring and discovering for myself. I am afraid AI could inject a particular point of view into society. The speed and convenience is good, but impartiality must be assured. ”
“I’ve heard of it. I think it’s scary. I think it will hurt the workforce. I also think it’s lazy.”
The American public tends to lean into the status quo when it comes to AI’s impact on their livelihood. Nearly half of the working adults in the CNBC survey say they think AI will have no real impact on their job, but the rest are nearly twice as likely to see a negative impact in the next few years than a positive one. More than one-in-three employed Americans say AI will replace them (18%) or make their jobs more difficult (10%), rather than make their jobs easier (21%). Voters in our survey demonstrated a similar dynamic, with many saying AI has no impact on their lives and jobs, but others wondering about the implications of this new technology.
“I’ve heard a little about it, I think it would be useful and helpful to me, for some things. I’m not sure how it would affect the economy, it may take more jobs away from people.”
“Yes, I have used Chat GPT and it is amazing. It might take over my job someday, but it is amazing to see how it can be used to improve our lives.”
“I am undecided on the importance of AI and its value to the human race. I don’t believe I support AI if it’s going to be replacing human jobs.”
