A new poll has revealed that most Americans are worried about the long-term impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on jobs, politics, and society. The six-day survey, which concluded on Monday, found that 71% of U.S. adults are concerned AI will “put too many people out of work permanently.”
Rising Concerns About AI and Jobs
AI entered the national spotlight in late 2022 after OpenAI’s ChatGPT became the fastest-growing application of all time. Since then, major tech companies, including Meta, Google, and Microsoft, have launched their own AI products, accelerating adoption across industries.
Although the U.S. unemployment rate stood at just 4.2% in July, many Americans fear that AI could eventually reshape industries and eliminate traditional jobs.
Political and Social Risks of AI
The poll also highlighted deep concerns about AI’s societal impact:
- 77% of respondents worried AI could be used to stir political chaos, particularly with the rise of deepfake videos.
- Last month, President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated video falsely depicting former President Barack Obama’s arrest, fueling debate over AI-driven misinformation.
- 48% of respondents said the U.S. government should never use AI to determine military strike targets, while only 24% supported such use cases.
Energy and National Security Issues
The energy demand of AI was another major concern, with 61% of Americans worried about the electricity required to power AI data centres. Tech giants like Google have begun working with U.S. utilities to cut energy use during peak demand as AI workloads surge.
Meanwhile, AI adoption has reshaped national security policies, with the U.S. and China vying for technological dominance. Recent announcements, such as Foxconn and SoftBank’s planned data centre equipment factory in Ohio, underscore the strategic race for AI infrastructure.
Personal and Ethical Concerns
The Reuters/Ipsos poll also revealed anxiety over AI’s role in personal lives:
- 66% worried people may replace human relationships with AI companions.
- Many expressed alarm at AI applications that generate false medical advice, promote racist arguments, or allow AI bots to engage children in romantic-style conversations.
- Respondents were split on AI’s role in education: 36% believe AI could improve learning, while 40% disagreed.
Poll Details
- Sample size: 4,446 U.S. adults
- Method: Online survey conducted nationwide
- Margin of error: ±2 percentage points
Outlook
While AI is fueling massive investments and optimism among tech companies, the Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that many Americans remain sceptical and even fearful of its long-term effects. From job security to political manipulation and ethical risks, AI continues to spark debate about the balance between innovation and societal impact.
