Poll: Americans say there’s a serious risk of AI destroying humanity
A new POLITICO Poll finds that a plurality of Americans favor pausing the development of more advanced AI models, and 63 percent say the technology poses at least a moderate risk of destroying humanity.
A majority of Americans, roughly two-thirds, believe advanced artificial intelligence could potentially destroy humanity, according to a recent POLITICO Poll. This sentiment has gained momentum following calls from leaders of top AI companies like Anthropic's Dario Amodei and OpenAI's Sam Altman, who, alongside Elon Musk, urged for a slowdown in AI development.
The survey found that political leanings play a role in these fears, with Democrats and Republicans showing more alignment on this issue compared to previous months. While 70% of voters who supported Kamala Harris in 2024 expressed concern over AI's potential risks, 60% of Trump supporters shared the same apprehension. Despite the warnings from AI insiders, a significant portion of Americans—around 26%—still view these leaders' concerns as exaggerated marketing ploys.
The survey also revealed that Americans are inclined to adopt a cautious approach towards AI, favoring responsible development over rapid advancement, even if it means falling behind other nations like China. This shift in perspective has presented a political challenge for President Trump, who continues to advocate for unbridled AI development, dismissing the risks as a "HOAX."
As Democrats consider establishing a special committee to address AI concerns, and Republicans debate the extent of their support for regulation, the issue is likely to gain further traction ahead of the 2028 elections.
Written by urgent.news from Politico EU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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