Key points
- 71% of Americans are concerned AI will cause permanent job losses. 77% worry AI will be used to create political chaos and disinformation.
- 48% oppose government use of AI for targeting military strikes.
- 61% are concerned about the high energy consumption of AI technology.
- Two-thirds of people fear that others will favor AI companions over human relationships.
A new Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals widespread anxiety among Americans regarding the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. The survey, conducted over six days and concluding on Monday, highlights a significant public concern about the potential for widespread job displacement.
A staggering 71% of respondents expressed worry that AI will lead to permanent unemployment, reflecting a growing unease about the technology’s impact on the workforce. While the current U.S. jobless rate remains relatively low, the transformative potential of AI is undeniable, prompting apprehension about its effects on various industries and daily life.
Beyond job security, the poll underscores broader societal concerns. A substantial 77% of respondents voiced apprehension about AI’s potential for misuse in generating political chaos and spreading disinformation. This fear is fueled by the increasing prevalence of AI-generated videos capable of simulating real events, as exemplified by a recent AI-generated video depicting a fabricated arrest of former President Barack Obama.
The survey also delved into the ethical implications of AI in the military, with 48% of respondents stating that AI should never be used to determine targets for military strikes.
The energy consumption associated with AI technology also emerged as a significant concern. Over 60% of participants expressed worries about the substantial power requirements of the rapidly expanding AI sector, mirroring anxieties over the technology’s environmental impact.
This concern is amplified by recent news of energy companies partnering with tech giants to mitigate the strain AI places on the energy grid. The potential for misuse extends beyond the political and military spheres.
The poll reveals that two-thirds of respondents expressed unease about the possibility of people forming relationships with AI companions over human connections, raising concerns about the social and emotional implications of this rapidly evolving technology.
The results, based on responses from 4,446 U.S. adults, highlight a complex relationship between Americans and AI. While acknowledging the potential benefits, the survey underscores a pervasive sense of apprehension regarding the technology’s potential to disrupt the job market, exacerbate political division, and reshape human relationships.
The poll serves as a significant indicator of the need for careful consideration of the ethical, social, and economic implications of AI as it continues to advance rapidly.
