New Report from More in Common Reveals America's Mixed Feelings on Artificial Intelligence

New Report from More in Common Finds Citizens Torn “Between Hesitation and Hope;” Suggests Bipartisan Agreement on Role of Government and Big Tech

Oct 28. 2024 – More in Common, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to reducing polarization and promoting social cohesion, today unveiled its latest report: Between Hesitation and Hope: Americans’ Mixed Feelings on Generative Artificial Intelligence. The comprehensive study reveals the deep ambivalence many Americans feel towards artificial intelligence (AI) as it rapidly transforms daily life. While many see AI’s potential for good, a majority also remain concerned about its impact on trust, societal cohesion, and critical thinking.

Key findings from the report include:

• Concerns about Societal Consequences: A majority of Americans worry that GenAI may have negative effects on society, with 83% fearing it will erode trust in news and 65% concerned it will further strain trust among people. Focus group participants raised fears of job replacement and further concentration of wealth within the influential tech sector, which risks further exacerbating the fragmentation of society.
• Fears of Over-Reliance and Diminished Intelligence: Three-quarters (76%) of Americans believe AI will lead to a greater dependency on technology, making people lazier and overly reliant on automation for cognitive tasks. Additionally, 62% worry that AI will reduce critical thinking skills and result in a less intelligent society.
• Skepticism from Key Demographics: Groups such as women, rural Americans, and individuals with a low sense of belonging are particularly skeptical and fearful of AI’s influence. These respondents reported more pronounced concerns compared to men, urban residents, and those with strong community ties, highlighting important demographic divides in AI perception.
• Notable Bipartisan Alignment: Democrats and Republicans are remarkably aligned on the role of government and big tech, with 70% of Democrats and 72% saying that “big tech companies do not help the American public,” and similar majorities — 67% of Democrats and 73% of Republicans — in agreement that current government policies toward GenAI are “not designed to benefit the public.” This unique bipartisan convergence signals a critical opportunity for the next administration to advance AI regulation with broad-based support.

“As AI continues to permeate our daily lives, it’s essential to understand how Americans perceive its benefits and risks,” said Stephen Hawkins, Director of Research at More in Common. “This report reveals that Americans both recognize AI’s potential and feel a mix of skepticism and concern, particularly about AI’s impact on trust, social cohesion, and the intellectual development of future generations. But as the issue is not ideologically charged or polarized by political party, policymakers and innovators have a window of opportunity to demonstrate leadership by hearing Americans’ concerns and guiding AI’s development accordingly.”

The findings reflect More in Common’s commitment to bridging divides and fostering understanding on complex issues affecting society. Between Hesitation and Hope offers critical insights for policymakers, technology leaders, and community advocates striving to address public concerns and ensure AI’s development aligns with societal needs.

The report’s findings are based on a 2,771-person national survey, eight focus groups, and engagement with an online panel composed of more than 200 Americans.

The full report is available for download free of charge.

For press inquiries, interview requests, or additional information, please contact:

Rabhya Mehrotra
Communications Associate, More In Common
usmedia@moreincommon.com