A new Pew Research Center Survey has revealed that people in the United States are more afraid of Artificial Intelligence (AI) than they are excited by it.
According to the survey, about 38% of the over 11,000 respondents were concerned about the increasing use of AI. 15% of these respondents were excited about the technology, while 46% had mixed feelings about it.
The survey also measured how often people were using AI in their daily life. Per the results, around 55% of respondents have at least one interaction with the technology daily. A breakdown of this demographic showed that 27% have several interactions with AI daily, while 28% said they have only one exchange.
Meanwhile, 44% of the polled respondents do not regularly interact with the technology.
Though the survey was conducted in December 2022, its results are similar to those from 2021. In the 2021 survey, most respondents were concerned about the increasing use of AI in day-to-day activities.
Why are people scared of AI?
The research results show a common trend regarding people’s fear of AI. The most common fear is that AI could take over people’s jobs. Aside from causing unemployment, others believe AI can be used maliciously.
A recent Monmouth University poll revealed that 41% of 805 respondents believe AI will do more harm than good. They believe using AI like ChatGPT to write news is bad, as it is prone to errors. According to another 65%, students can use programs like ChatGPT to cheat on their schoolwork.
While AI has been around for a while, the mainstream launch of programs like ChatGPT, Bard, etc., has reignited people’s fears of AI. Recently, audiobook narrators have expressed concerns that AI might be coming for their jobs.
Meanwhile, NFT creator Sheldon Evans has expressed concerns that AI might be reducing people’s creativity. According to him, the “screes [are] replacing every moment of contemplation.”
Regardless of the numerous fears surrounding the growth of AI, some experts believe it is for humanity’s good.
Does AI pose any harm?
Most experts say the growth of AI in daily activities would help ensure automation in several areas. According to them, though automation might lead to job losses, it could also increase productivity.
India’s Comptroller and Auditor General Girish Chandra Murmu recently noted that:
“AI has the potential to lead socio-economic growth and it can be used to benefit citizens and the country through targeted and timely intervention.”
Similarly, other experts feel that AI has the potential to foster the growth of businesses worldwide. The tech would not only benefit companies, it would also increase employees’ efficiency in their jobs.
A Twitter user, while addressing AI usage, noted that AI would only enhance and not replace humans. Meanwhile, regulators have intensified the call for AI regulation due to its increased adoption.
