Public Opinion on AI Divided

Americans, it seems, are of several minds about the hottest of hot topics this year: artificial intelligence. They’re torn between curiosity about the benefits to society and concern about its effects on their lives.

A new study from global consultancy Public First found that, while the most common emotion cited was curiosity (39%), an almost equal number (37%) said they were worried about AI. Last year, 42% cited curiosity and 32% were worried, according to the study, which was based on four nationally representative polls of adults across the US and the UK, and conducted in partnership with the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation’s Center for Data Innovation.