A Perspective on Americans’ Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence

Stevens Tech Pulse:

Research reveals Americans have fears and concerns about AI while embracing a larger role for AI in everyday life. That’s according to the Stevens TechPulse Report: A Perspective on Americans’ Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence, a new national poll of 2,200 adults conducted on behalf of Stevens Institute of Technology by Morning Consult. The survey examined Americans’ views on a wide range of AI-related issues. Read the news release.

“As the world and our lives grow increasingly dependent on artificial intelligence, it’s essential to assess its perceived impact, as well as identify gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed,” said Jason Corso, Ph.D., Brinning Professor of Computer Science and Director of Stevens Institute for Artificial Intelligence at Stevens Institute of Technology. “It’s clear from this research that, while people recognize the positives of AI, they also see much to be wary of — based, to some extent, on misunderstandings of the technology and what could help protect against those negative consequences.”

Almost half (48%) of Americans feel the positives of greater AI adoption in everyday life outweigh the negatives, while 29% believe the opposite. A majority also holds the opinion that, in the future, AI should play a greater role in a variety of industries including technology (66%), manufacturing (61%), logistics (58%) and retail (52%).

Despite that enthusiasm, people are far more comfortable with humans, rather than AI, being in charge of performing most jobs and, in general, express a good deal of apprehension and mistrust of the technology. 

“There is a significant need for education, well-informed and holistic policy development and ethical leadership in the deployment of rapidly advancing technology.”

“This survey indicates that there is a significant need for education, well-informed and holistic policy development and ethical leadership in the deployment of rapidly advancing technology throughout industry and society,” said Nariman Farvardin, president of Stevens Institute of Technology. “I am delighted that Stevens is playing a leadership role in this space through the Stevens Institute for Artificial Intelligence.”