A recent survey led by Rutgers University-New Brunswick reveals significant public concerns regarding the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on politics and media, alongside an increasing trend in its adoption for daily tasks. The research defines AI as advanced technologies enabling machines to perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, with generative AI focusing on creating original content.
Source: National AI Opinion Monitor (NAIOM), National sample, December 2024
The findings indicate that a majority of participants are wary of AI’s implications: 58% expressed concern about its impact on politics, while 53% worried about its effect on news media. These apprehensions are particularly acute in the context of the upcoming 2024 election, suggesting fears of misinformation and manipulation.
Katherine Ognyanova, an associate professor and coauthor of the report, noted, “It’s critical to understand how Americans are using and perceiving AI now, as trust in these technologies will shape their adoption, development and regulation.”
"We are at a pivotal moment where public opinion about AI is being formed and rapidly changing as people engage with it firsthand and encounter related narratives in the news.” Katherine Ognyanova
Despite these concerns, the survey reveals that one-third of the nearly 5,000 Americans surveyed have engaged with generative AI for health-related inquiries. This indicates a dual dynamic of caution and curiosity towards AI's potential benefits.
Demographic insights show that while 90% of respondents are aware of AI, only 51% understand the term "generative AI," and just 12% are familiar with "large language models." Usage patterns also highlight disparities; younger, male, and more educated individuals are more inclined to utilise AI tools. Interestingly, while 48% of Americans support AI for household chores, a majority oppose AI in more critical tasks like surgery (57%) or driving (53%).
The survey underscores a potential digital divide, as Ognyanova remarked, “Older Americans and those with lower educational attainment may be less likely to benefit from these tools.” The NAIOM initiative aims to track evolving public attitudes towards AI through regular surveys, with plans to conduct three national surveys annually.
