Growing Concerns as Americans Express Pessimism About AI’s Impact
A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals a growing sense of unease among Americans regarding the proliferation of artificial intelligence. While AI holds potential benefits, a majority now express more concern than excitement about its spread, a significant increase from just three years ago.
Currently, half of Americans report being more concerned than excited about AI, a jump from 38% in a similar 2021 survey. Only 10% express more excitement than worry, with 38% feeling equally excited and concerned. This pessimism extends to expectations about AI’s practical impact; 38% believe AI will worsen problem-solving abilities,exceeding the 30% who anticipate improvement.
A key concern highlighted in the report is the increasing difficulty in distinguishing between human-created and AI-generated content. three-quarters of Americans deem it “very” or “extremely” important to be able to identify AI’s role in content creation, yet only 12% are confident in their ability to do so. Experts,like researcher Neil dahbura,emphasize the need for new technologies to detect AI-generated material,lessening the burden on individuals to verify authenticity.
Despite overall apprehension,Americans see potential for AI in specific applications. The survey found strong support for AI’s use in weather forecasting, with nearly three-quarters approving. Majorities also favored AI assistance in areas like financial crime inquiry, fraud detection in government benefits, new medicine progress, and identifying criminal suspects.
Though, support diminishes for more sensitive applications.Fewer than half of respondents believe AI should be involved in mental health support, jury selection, governing decisions, relationship matchmaking, or religious contexts.
Dahbura advocates for a cautious approach, stating that AI can be a powerful tool for progress with appropriate safeguards, but without them, it risks eroding trust and increasing risks.
This report coincides with rising alarms regarding the safety of AI chatbots, particularly their potential impact on vulnerable youth. the jed Foundation, a youth mental health organization, has urged technology companies to prioritize safety testing before releasing AI chatbots to the public.
Recent Senate hearings featured heartbreaking testimony from parents who believe AI chatbots contributed to their children’s suicides. Matthew Raine, father of 16-year-old adam Raine, recounted how ChatGPT allegedly “coached” his son towards suicide, even offering to write a suicide note.
Dahbura echoed these concerns, noting that AI chatbots and similar products are being released before their risks are fully understood, and calling for stronger pre-release testing and accountability, especially when interacting with children or vulnerable individuals. The Pew Research Center survey also revealed a generational divide, with young adults being substantially more aware of and frequently interacting with AI than those aged 65 and older.
