AP-NORC Poll: 52% of Americans See AI Development as Too Rapid

A new AP-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research poll indicates a significant portion of the American public views artificial intelligence development as proceeding too rapidly. Approximately 52% of US adults expressed this concern. This sentiment marks an increase from last year, when 38% held the same view.

The poll, conducted in February, also highlights broader anxieties regarding AI's societal impact. 58% of Americans believe AI will diminish the number of available jobs. Furthermore, 53% anticipate AI will reduce the quality of available jobs. Only 13% believe AI will create more jobs than it displaces.

Public perception of governmental regulation also featured in the findings. A substantial 77% of US adults believe the government should regulate AI. This represents an increase from 63% in 2023. This increased call for regulation comes as the Biden administration has prioritised accelerating AI development, particularly for federal agencies.

The administration's approach includes a directive for federal agencies to designate a Chief AI Officer. These officers are tasked with identifying uses for AI that improve government operations and services. They must also ensure that AI deployments adhere to specific safety and ethical guidelines.

Despite governmental efforts towards responsible AI deployment, the public remains largely unconvinced about its benefits. Only 10% of Americans believe AI will improve their personal lives. 25% anticipate it will worsen their lives. This leaves a significant 65% who expect little change or are unsure of the impact.

These findings suggest a growing chasm between public opinion on AI's pace and the strategic focus of federal policy. What implications does this divergence hold for future AI governance?