Most Americans think artificial intelligence is developing too fast, a new AP-NORC poll finds

Widespread Apprehension About AI's Rapid Progress

A new survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates that 64 percent of U.S. adults believe artificial intelligence is developing too fast. Only 27 percent consider the pace about right, and a mere 8 percent view it as moving too slowly. These findings highlight a prevailing sense of unease that transcends typical political divisions.

The concern that advanced AI systems might slip beyond human oversight, potentially leading to significant harm, has shifted from hypothetical scenarios to a tangible public worry. Industry figures have echoed calls for a measured approach to allow regulatory frameworks to evolve alongside the technology. This sentiment emerges even as some political leaders advocate for accelerated development to maintain competitive edges internationally.

Priorities for Government Involvement

Approximately eight in 10 U.S. adults regard it as extremely or very important for the government to ensure artificial intelligence remains under human control. A similar proportion emphasizes the need to protect the country's workforce from potential disruptions caused by the technology.

The poll also reveals substantial support for minimizing environmental harm and fostering economic growth as key governmental responsibilities related to AI. About half of respondents assign high importance to promoting technological innovation, while slightly fewer prioritize competition with other nations, such as China. These priorities reflect a nuanced public view that balances opportunity with caution.

Partisan Differences and Shared Ground

While bipartisan agreement exists on the core issues of maintaining human control over AI and protecting workers, divergences appear on other fronts. Republicans tend to place greater emphasis on economic growth and international competitiveness compared with Democrats. In contrast, Democrats are more inclined to stress the importance of reducing environmental impacts.

Three-quarters of Democrats express the view that AI is progressing too quickly, whereas only about half of Republicans share this assessment. Younger adults under 30 demonstrate higher levels of concern than those aged 60 and older. Such patterns suggest that demographic and ideological factors influence perceptions, even as overarching worries persist across groups.

Limited Trust in Political Parties

Public confidence in both major political parties' ability to manage AI-related challenges remains low. Roughly four in 10 Americans report trusting neither Democrats nor Republicans on the issue, with nearly two in 10 expressing equal trust in both. The remainder divide their confidence between the two parties.

Even among partisans, ambivalence prevails. Only about half of Republicans and Democrats believe their own party is better positioned to address AI concerns, while around three in 10 in each group say neither party is equipped for the task. This skepticism underscores a broader disillusionment with Washington's capacity to respond effectively to emerging technological shifts.

Personal Perspectives on AI's Implications

Individuals across occupations articulate specific fears tied to AI's trajectory. A junior-high science teacher in Utah who incorporates the technology into lesson planning nonetheless voices deep reservations about its influence on children, privacy and overall societal direction. Her perspective reflects a common tension between practical utility and long-term risks.

A truck driver in rural Minnesota identifies job displacement as his primary apprehension, envisioning fleets of autonomous vehicles supplanting human operators. References to cultural depictions of uncontrolled technology resonate with his uncertainty about future outcomes, illustrating how abstract concerns manifest in everyday livelihoods. These accounts humanize the poll's aggregate findings.

Source

Associated Press published this record on 2026-10-08. Pennington Financial accessed it on 2026-10-09.