A new poll from Quinnipiac University reveals widespread public concern regarding artificial intelligence. Most Americans want the development of artificial intelligence to slow down or stop entirely. Specifically, 47 percent of respondents want to reduce the pace. Another 30 percent want a full stop until safety has been verified. Only five percent of those surveyed want faster development.
The survey also highlights deep skepticism toward industry leadership. A significant 74 percent of participants report having little or no trust in the leaders of artificial intelligence companies. Additionally, 73 percent worry that artificial intelligence could eventually threaten the survival of humanity.
Despite these fears, strong majorities support structured oversight. An overwhelming 86 percent of respondents support the independent safety standards currently under debate for artificial intelligence companies, even if those rules slow progress.
Read nextEpic Pauses Product Development to Fix Security VulnerabilitiesPublic doubt drives demand for safety rules
Chetan Jaiswal of Quinnipiac University shared insight on the findings. Taken together, these results suggest that the public wants safeguards that do not depend simply on taking company leaders at their word.
The survey gathered responses from 1,202 US adults. The polling took place from September 24 to 27. Results carry a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.
