Poll: Majority of voters say risks of AI outweigh the benefits
In a recent national survey conducted by NBC News, a significant majority of registered voters expressed concerns about artificial intelligence (AI), indicating that they believe the risks associated with the technology outweigh its benefits. This sentiment is reflective of a growing unease regarding the rapid advancements in AI and its implications for society, the economy, and the political landscape.
Key Findings from the Poll
The NBC News poll revealed that 57% of voters feel that the risks of AI surpass its benefits, while only 34% believe the opposite. This stark contrast highlights a prevalent skepticism among the electorate regarding the impact of AI on their lives and jobs.
Moreover, the poll indicated that a mere 26% of voters have positive feelings about AI, while 46% hold negative views. The only topics that garnered a lower net positive rating than AI were the Democratic Party and the situation in Iran, underscoring the significant distrust voters have towards both the technology and the political parties responsible for regulating it.
Political Implications
As AI continues to evolve, its effects on the political landscape are becoming increasingly apparent. Politicians are grappling with various issues related to AI, including the economic implications of job displacement, the rising costs associated with AI data centers, and ethical concerns surrounding the use of AI in military applications.
Despite the concerns, some leaders in the AI industry argue that the technology will lead to job creation and economic growth. For instance, former President Donald Trump has been vocal about his belief that fears surrounding AI job loss are exaggerated. In a recent interview, he stated, “They said the internet was gonna do — everything was gonna do — robots are gonna kill jobs. Everything’s gonna kill jobs. And you end up, if you’re smart, doing great.”
Public Trust in Political Parties
When asked which political party is better equipped to handle AI-related issues, only 20% of voters favored Republicans, while 19% leaned towards Democrats. A notable 33% of respondents felt that neither party was effectively addressing the challenges posed by AI, highlighting a significant disconnect between voters and their elected representatives.
Bill McInturff, a Republican pollster involved in the NBC News survey, noted that the findings present an opportunity for both parties to seize political advantage by addressing AI concerns more proactively. The survey results indicate that AI is an issue that remains “up for grabs,” with potential for political maneuvering as the technology continues to develop.
Demographic Insights
The poll also uncovered notable demographic trends regarding perceptions of AI. Younger voters, particularly those aged 18-34, showed the most negative views, with a net favorability rating of minus 44. Women aged 18-49 also expressed significant concerns, reporting a net rating of minus 41.
Conversely, men over 50 and upper-class voters were more favorable towards AI, each with a net rating of plus 2. This disparity suggests that economic status and age play crucial roles in shaping opinions on AI technology.
Job Market Concerns
As the job market has faced challenges, particularly with a contraction in five of the last nine months, concerns about AI’s impact on employment have intensified. A report from Stanford researchers indicated that workers aged 22 to 25 in industries most exposed to generative AI experienced a 16% relative decline in employment since late 2022.
Additionally, a report by Anthropic, an AI company, highlighted that women and more educated, higher-paid, and older employees in professions with significant exposure to AI are at greater risk of job loss. This data points to a troubling trend where certain demographic groups may be disproportionately affected by the rise of AI technologies.
Usage of AI Among Voters
Despite the negative perceptions, the poll revealed that 56% of voters have used AI within the last two months. Usage rates varied significantly among different professions, with 77% of professional managers and 74% of white-collar workers reporting recent AI usage, compared to only 30% of retirees.
Micah Roberts, a Republican pollster, emphasized that the data suggests a strong connection between work-related experiences and perceptions of AI. He noted that as individuals become more educated, their negativity towards AI tends to decrease.
Conclusion
The NBC News poll underscores a growing apprehension among voters regarding the implications of AI technology. With a majority believing that the risks outweigh the benefits, there is a clear demand for political leaders to address these concerns more effectively. As AI continues to evolve, the need for informed policy-making and public discourse becomes increasingly crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the NBC News poll, 57% of registered voters believe that the risks of AI outweigh its benefits.
The demographic groups with the most negative views of AI are voters aged 18-34 and women aged 18-49, with net favorability ratings of minus 44 and minus 41, respectively.
The poll indicated that 56% of voters have used AI within the last two months, with varying usage rates across different professions.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on a survey conducted by NBC News and reflects the opinions of registered voters as of early March 2026.
