Overview
- In a late-October survey of 810 adults (margin of error ±3.5%) released Nov. 6, 58% said AI will harm society versus 30% who expect benefits.
- More than 90% reported concern about AI-fueled misinformation and political propaganda, along with identity theft, deepfakes, and impersonation.
- Large shares were "very concerned" about specific harms: misinformation (81%), identity theft and impersonation (78%), impacts on education and critical thinking (61%), reduced face-to-face interaction (58%), job loss (55%), and data-center environmental effects (51%).
- Awareness and use were high but uneven: 86% had read at least some about AI, 43% use it weekly, 26% have never used it, and 9% are daily power users.
- Attitudes varied by group, with 62% of Democrats and 48% of Republicans expecting net harm; concern was higher among women (64% vs. 49% of men) and younger adults reported more daily use; the NCSL recently urged Congress not to preempt state AI rules.