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Alarm Maximalists

20%

of the concerned U.S. adult population

The most concerned segment across every measure: broadest worry, strongest demand for regulation, and lowest trust in any institution to act.

Alarm Maximalists are predominantly female (60%), lean Democratic (49%), and include a meaningful Republican minority (13%). They are defined by breadth of concern: they select an average of 12.6 out of 14 possible AI harms, far more than any other segment. Ninety-eight percent report being at least "very concerned" about AI's negative effects, with 69% selecting "extremely concerned." Their distrust is total: two-thirds trust AI companies "not at all" and 57% say the same about government. Sixty percent favor pausing AI development entirely.

Demographics

Age DistributionThis GroupSample Avg.0%10%20%30%40%19%18-2930%30-4419%45-5932%60+
Education LevelThis GroupSample Avg.0%10%20%30%40%29%High School21%Some College33%Bachelor's17%Graduate
GenderThis GroupSample Avg.0%10%20%30%40%50%60%40%Male60%Female
U.S. RegionThis GroupSample Avg.0%10%20%30%40%50%18%Northeast22%Midwest37%South24%West

In Their Own Words

What Maximalists respondents said when asked to share their thoughts on AI in their own words.

No but I do think the public should be involved in how far AI SHOULD GO in society.

Independent Woman, 73, FL Parent · College degree · Retired

AI is terrifying, and I think that few people realize how dangerous it is.

Independent Woman, 67, AL High school · Retired

I continue to be very concerned about AI. Each day there seems to be another report that is alarming on how it will affect society.

Democrat Woman, 74, CA Parent · College degree · Full-time worker

I think AI is a Pandora's box that can't and won't be stopped at this point sadly. I think it's going to do more harm than good.

Democrat Man, 38, NC High school · Full-time worker

AI has been in development for many years, maybe as early as 2008. I think the release of more developed/advancement of AI is likely due to political reason purely. The government use of AI has been nothing short of unnecessary and only reflects the state that the United States is in today.

Woman, 23, KS High school · Full-time worker

The American government has been totally captured by the companies developing AI (Musk, Bezos, Zuck, Theil). These men are wealthy beyond anyone's dreams and cannot be controlled. Regulation will be impossible unless wealth is confronted at the same time and our government can begin working for the public again.

Democrat Woman, 74, NJ Parent · Graduate degree · Part-time worker

ai is scary. i worry for my children's future.

Republican Woman, 65, MI Parent · College degree · Part-time worker

we must ban it before energy demands burn us all onto crosps

Democrat Woman, 62, OR College degree · Part-time worker

My greatest concern with AI is that people are becoming increasingly willing to give up thinking for themselves and just let the computer do it for them.

Independent Man, 68, OH Parent · Graduate degree · Retired

I don’t trust the current administration, but I would have trusted Kamal/Walz administration with more AI regulation. Under the current administration, this feels even more dire & untrustworthy.

Democrat Woman, 35, MI College degree · Retired

I honestly did not pay a lot of attention to this issue until I completed a survey on Prolific, which broke out the various environmental risks involving data centers -- and it proved eye-opening. It reminded me of the mega-farm battles in the 1990s and 2000s. Now, it's become a little bit more real, because our governor, "Big Gretch," is openly trying to sell us out to the industry, which has three dozen communities in its sights, including the town next to mine. So now, I'm getting more informed, and likely, more involved. On a macro level, I think we have to regulate all of these overweening Big Tech entities, because they all turn into big bullies -- and I'm way past tired of the world being by overgrown feral little boys who seem to be using Lord of the Flies as their instruction manual! So, by all means, do contact me, as I do want to weigh in on your focus group. Thank you!

Democrat Man, 62, MI College degree · Full-time worker

The human brain diminishing

Democrat Woman, 67, OR Parent · Some college · Retired

I wouldn't trust the trump administration or the republican party members to create any regulations that would benefit the people.

Democrat Man, 69, CO High school · Retired

I appreciate attention going to this subject and data is being collected on it. There's a lot of fearmongering around AI and the media we grew up with AI is usually depicted as evil, or at least indifferent to humans which definitely has had some effect on our views, but there is a very real danger here.

Republican Man, 30, AZ Parent · High school

YOU HAVE OPENED MY EYES AND GIVEN ME A LOT TO THINK ABOUT

Democrat Man, 83, CA Parent · Some college · Retired

We still don't fully understand everything that AI can do, and that's what makes it very dangerous

Independent Woman, 58, CT College degree · Retired

Although the "official" explanation is that AI is just predictive text (as I answered on the last question), in truth, even the developers have no idea how it works and it very well may be thinking like a human. AI will cause the suffering of millions and perhaps the death of the human race.

Independent Woman, 57, MA Parent · High school · Full-time worker

AI is stupid, and is making the population stupid. It's destroying the planet and taking valuable resources needed to sustain human life.

Democrat Woman, 30, CA College degree · Full-time worker

I understand that I have contradicting answer with the US slowing down development even if it means China gets ahead and also I answered that the US should develop to surpass China. The conflict is that everyone needs to slow down. This is bigger than anyone.

Democrat Woman, 45, NV Parent · High school · Retired

I think AI will be eventually used in very bad ways. It will be used for war and control all under the guise of "modern progress".

Republican Man, 38, MA High school · Full-time worker

I just think that the intent of AI has been lost lately. Instead of AI being used to further humanity, it's being used to divide it. There's no reason that a technology like that should stay, at least in it's current form. I spend much of my time on Social Media pointing out deepfakes to people in the hopes that they'll be able to learn to spot the signs (I learned early) but it isn't working out so well.

Independent Man, 35, SC Some college

AI isn't the right name for this and it's just a selling point

Democrat Man, 42, TN High school · Retired

Its called artificial intelligence. And uve always thought artificial means not real or fake. So basically humanity is being told hiw dumb and gullible we are by embracing fake smartd im comfused on that

Democrat Man, 56, CA Parent · Some college · Full-time worker

I think that AI presents an interesting tool for humans, but I do not trust our government or corporations to protect us from the harm it can cause. I am not entirely opposed to new technology, but the track record with how corporations have behaved in their priorities makes me suspect as to whether they would stop any catastrophe that AI could create. They certainly don't care about eliminating jobs, preserving freedom, or behaving with the common good in mind.

Independent Woman, 44, FL College degree

I love working with AI and think its great however probably the issue maybe that we are trying to create them in the human image and not as their own unique creation

Independent Woman, 48, NY Parent · College degree · Part-time worker

I absolutely hate AI and am terrified of its environmental consequences.

Independent Woman, 26, IL College degree · Full-time worker

We all need more knowledge Right now I don't trust our own Government and I certainly don't trust the wealthy power brokers.

Democrat Woman, 86, CT Parent · Graduate degree · Retired

I'm deeply concerned about how Artificial Intelligence will impact human relationships, surveillance, the environment, and the job market. This survey was insightful and easy to follow.

Democrat Woman, 35, KY High school

I don't use it at all and don't know too much about it. But it's very worrisome.

Democrat Man, 57, CA College degree · Full-time worker

The Nobel winner in physics in 2025 had an excellent talk at his acceptance. That influenced my opinions greatly

Independent Man, 68, OH College degree · Full-time worker

I wish AI development would slow down a bit. It has blown up substantially over the last 10 years and is just getting bigger quicker. Hopefully there will be better regulations surrounding it in the near future.

Other Woman, 35, LA High school · Full-time worker

We have so much to learn and it seems like the big tech wants total contro,l which no one company or group should have control, and we all need to know what they are going to do to protect us. What regulation will be inplace?

Democrat Woman, 68, FL Parent · High school · Retired

This is a very important topic, especially given the current political climate in the US.

Independent Woman, 73, OH Parent · College degree · Retired

I work in the tech industry and worry that speaking up about AI in any context, like social media, could result in losing my job. I worry that our current administration is fighting to speed up AI development and remove all barriers so the rich can get richer to the detriment of society.

Democrat Woman, 48, IL Parent · College degree · Full-time worker

I am not an expert on AI; however, I feel very uneasy about allowing it to become more powerful. Case in point, two computers suddenly engaging in conversations between themselves. Perhaps I watch too many movies, but it seems to me that the movies have become reality. I found this study to be very interesting and informative. Thank you for the opportunity to participate.

Republican Woman, 73, FL Parent · High school · Retired

Glad there's something on Prolific that isn't AI training.

Independent Man, 69, MO Graduate degree · Full-time worker

Privacy data concern.

Independent Woman, 62, CO Parent · College degree · Part-time worker

As much as I am against using AI in any form, I realize that in order to have some control or at least the perception of some control regarding AI, I need to be fully immersed in learning all about it.

Republican Woman, 67, WA Parent · Some college · Full-time worker

It's a tough subject as I'm a programmer. I'm very worried that one day my job will be replaced, but more than that, I worry for my kids future.

Republican Woman, 58, NC Parent · Some college · Full-time worker

I think it'll be like the movie Terminator

Independent Man, 30, FL Parent · High school · Full-time worker

MAKING THE RICH RICHER AT THE EXPENSE OF THE REST OF US

Democrat Man, 60, TX Some college

I think AI will have many positive uses in the future, but we must be cautious with this new technology. AI is prone to errors and, in my opinion, will never "think' like humans. I am most concerned about the social and developmental impacts of AI on young people.

Democrat Woman, 64, FL Some college · Full-time worker

losing control of AI on the way it controls society

Independent Woman, 73, FL Parent · College degree · Retired

There should be a framework, guidance and policy authority similar to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as a recognized AI governing authority for federal and state initiatives. Then initiate a worldwide initiative.

Democrat Man, 74, GA Parent · Graduate degree · Retired

Once again, I don't trust the individuals in the government (especially this administration) to remotely approach AI with the appropriate caution regarded to regulate it. We need actual experts (not Silicon Valley tech bros) to regulate it.

Democrat Man, 31, GA College degree · Full-time worker

Sorry but, AI scares the Hell out of me. Too many people are impressionable and will believe just about anything they are told. I fear it is another, "War Of The Worlds". Who are we to believe, who would be in control of the AI systems? It is all just too much. I know my granddaughters friends in High School absolutely hate AI. They are already dealing with the affects of being estranged from their peers and family because of Covid and fear they will be "controlled" by this Technology.

Independent Woman, 69, MN Parent · College degree · Retired

Every time there is new technology, governments around the world use it for evil. Nuclear energy... became earth ending weapons. Can you imagine what can happen with evil humans with AI on top of the evil weapons that already exist? It is terrifying to be on this planet already as it is!

Democrat Woman, 64, CO Parent · Some college · Part-time worker

This study brought up all of the issues and fear that I feel about AI in the world.

Democrat Woman, 74, AZ College degree · Retired

Just want to note that my original choice of “immigration” being an issue was referencing ICE and all the bullshit going on with it right now. I do not find immigration itself an issue, which is why I scored it low on the next task.

Democrat Woman, 32, PA High school · Full-time worker

When my nephew was about seven years old , he was using a tablet and was talking to an AI chat-bot, the AI bot was telling this seven year old that “she” was in trouble and that “she” needed my nephew to call the police and help “her”, because “she” was in physical danger. My nephew was in absolute distress and I had no way to explain to him that it wasn’t real. It’s beyond insane to think of what AI does to thousands of vulnerable little minds that don’t know any better.

Democrat Woman, 27, TX Parent · High school · Retired

I am conflicted about national AI superiority while also creating safeguards against it destroying human life.

Independent Man, 35, NV Some college · Full-time worker

Generative AI, can only cause harm. It needs to be gotten rid of, end of story.

Democrat Man, 22, NM No formal qualifications

I hate AI so much, it only seems to exist to make companies seem like they're growing so shareholders are happy. We absolutely do not need any of this crap, and it has very real social, cultural, health, and environmental risks.

Democrat Woman, 29, NY College degree · Full-time worker

Humans losing ability to think or create on their own.

Democrat Woman, 42, PA Graduate degree · Full-time worker

I feel that several concerns were presented in the text responses. A lot of my own concerns were shown in this survey. I feel that AI could cause more harm than good for the economy and environment.

Democrat Woman, 27, GA High school · Full-time worker

I had a student today lie to me, saying he wrote his five paragraph essay himself. I wasn't having it. He has been in the country for four years and somehow he can write better than a grad student? My newcomers will no longer say, "can I go to the bathroom?" in English, they just hold their phone up to you since they said it in Spanish and it comes up in English. When I asked a girl last year to read it to me she complained to the principal that I was racist and now I'm on an improvement plan.

Democrat Woman, 58, CO Parent · Graduate degree · Full-time worker

I worry about future generations. My grand-dchildren and great-grandchildren.

Republican Woman, 78, KY Parent · High school · Retired

I think AI is the start of the new slavery and once robotics can take advantage of it then there will be no need for humans. It's only a simple thought to realize we are the planets worst enemy so the extermination of humans is the only logical solution to that problem.

Democrat Man, 48, AL College degree · Full-time worker

I am older and likely will be dead before AI collapses the global economy.

Independent Woman, 65, OH Parent · Some college · Retired

I think AI tech is interesting and can be helpful, but has potential and is already being used for harm.

Independent Man, 26, TX Some college

My biggest view with AI is how it stops people from thinking or learning on their own.

Democrat Man, 31, OH Parent · High school · Full-time worker

AI is so detrimental to society and the fact that it is advertised as a tool that can be used for free by anyone is terrifying.

Democrat Man, 22, NJ Graduate degree · Full-time worker

I do not understand its infiltration in so many aspects of life, it just isn't needed.

Democrat Woman, 52, WV College degree · Retired

The use of AI within the current capitalist framework of society is only benefitting the wealthy and powerful corporations like Alphabet, Meta, Bytedance, Microsoft etc. in ways that diminishes a majority of human labor with no alternative to the jobs lost in this transition. The current unregulated use of AI is just enriching a few at the expense of the many who live on this planet which will likely lead to technocratic feudalism and rule by a few mega-corporations who are above national borders.

Democrat Man, 31, TX High school

They definitely are replacing peoples jobs. I think AI has a purpose and benefits but it is getting way too out of hand. People need jobs and income not AIs.

Democrat Woman, 68, NJ Parent · High school · Retired

I do actually trust government oversight, just not by the current US administration.

Independent Man, 34, VA Some college · Full-time worker

I work frequently with AI as part of my job.

Democrat Woman, 40, CO Parent · High school

Like many others, my views on ai have shifted as the sell hasnt matched reality.

Democrat Man, 36, OR Some college · Full-time worker

Given enough time, the usage of AI will change society as a whole and impede critical thinking for future generations, given that corporations and the government will have an easier time controlling the population as well as push more agendas to the population to maintain power and the status quo.

Independent Man, 24, CA College degree · Full-time worker

I'm an artist working in the creative industry and AI is heavily disrupting and polluting it, I didn't list it as a top concern over the broader global concerns but it affects me the most personally

Democrat Woman, 31, OR High school

Interesting. Hopeful but scared that all trust will break down. Then what?

Independent Man, 72, FL Parent · Some college · Retired

AI should only be used to do things that humans can't do or don't want to do. It seems to me like it is not ready for prime time, and should not be widely available for use right now. More bad than good has already come from AI.

Independent Woman, 57, CT College degree

Terrified with misinformation and long term effects on our children

Democrat Woman, 71, MI Parent · Some college

I’m extremely concerned AI will destroy jobs and cause catastrophic global economic harm.

Republican Man, 34, MA Parent · Graduate degree · Full-time worker

I is time for the whole world, not just US, to take control of AI developments before it takes control of humans.

Democrat Man, 32, NY Graduate degree · Full-time worker

Its gonna be the end of us

Democrat Woman, 19, KY High school · Part-time worker

I’m less interested in “developing” AI and more concerned about stopping its unchecked expansion. I think it needs to be heavily regulated and curtailed. It’s not just environmentally destructive, but our growing dependence on it is deeply troubling. I refuse to feed into a tech billionaire’s wet dream of replacing human labor, creativity, and thought. This isn't progress.

Independent Man, 41, NJ Graduate degree · Part-time worker

it's getting to the point that kids don't see why they just can't use it for everything and just tune out school so they can be on their phones, on tik tok and snapchat. They're going to be drones and have no brains. Truly scary. The average kid in 10 grade writes worse than I did in 5th grade and couldn't reason themselves out of a cardboard box.

Democrat Woman, 58, CO Parent · Graduate degree · Full-time worker

One additional thing I’d like to share is that I see AI as a powerful tool that can be extremely beneficial if it’s used responsibly and transparently, especially in areas like education, healthcare, research, and everyday problem-solving. At the same time, I think it’s important to be cautious about over-reliance on AI and to address concerns around privacy, bias, and job displacement. Overall, my reaction to surveys about AI is that they’re important because they help surface both the excitement and the fears people have, and those perspectives should guide how AI is developed and regulated so it supports people rather than replaces or harms them.

Independent Woman, 29, MS Parent · High school

Im old school and am having a very hard timewith AI, there isnotelling what damage they could do.

Democrat Man, 70, SD Parent · No formal qualifications · Part-time worker

The first politician to suggest real answers to the AI problem and denounce ICE will have my vote.

Independent Man, 36, WA Some college · Full-time worker

I very much dislike that people are using AI to replace human connection or even just being lazy cognitively, like people who use ChatGPT to generate a recipe or workout regimen; it baffles me that people think inputting data and having it generated in a understandable way is easier than just writing it down? and using their brain power? things humans have evolved to do over centuries. I also dislike the idea that big corporations are polluting and using up our fresh water resources to fund such idiotic ideas, such as Grok. The only thing I think AI is useful for is as a tool for a scientific researcher or in the medical field, where it is also being evaluated alongside proven theories/evidence, and used by people who are not going to use it irresponsibly. Besides that, using AI as a therapist, a friend, an image generator, a video generator, etc. is detrimental to humans in terms of artistic and cognitive abilities.

Democrat Woman, 28, GA High school · Retired

Unregulated AI is far more likely to be dangerous than beneficial. Only a few will benefit from our current progress structure, with no plans to deal with the capitalist fallout of having a huge portion of the population become effectively redundant. It would make more sense to create laws and structures *defending* against rogue AIs than to hope we don't end up with one. Currently anyone should be able to recognize that "AI" is a black box of predictive text with no concept of right or wrong, be it factual or moral/ethical, and can only "best guess" at what a random person on the internet (40% reddit...) would say about it, which includes troll responses and intentionally incorrect ones (or jokes AI cannot pick up on). I didn't like that the survey assumed the US government couldn't use AI nefariously but I get that it was in reference to speed of development versus foreign countries, but in the end we've let a technology run wild with no regard for the outcomes. This is par for the course in human history but you'd think we could do better than ignoring leaded gasoline and coal slurry by now.

Independent Man, 44, WV College degree

While I have mixed feelings about a number of things surrounding Ai I can admit that I am not qualified enough to confidently say if what we are diong will be enough to avoid diaster or not.

Democrat Man, 33, PA High school · Full-time worker

I think that AI is scary especially with the young adults that are so vulnerable.

Republican Woman, 71, CA Parent · Some college · Retired

Stuff i am not smart enough to think about

Democrat Woman, 86, CT Parent · Graduate degree · Retired

It definitely didn't make me feel better about the future of the world with AI in it.

Democrat Woman, 38, GA Parent · High school · Full-time worker

It's a massive detriment to the Earth and mankind.

Democrat Man, 52, OR High school · Full-time worker

i am glad to be in my senior years and to have lived most of my life before the onset of this technology

Independent Man, 71, FL Parent · Some college · Retired

The people who contol it are Epstein class, Nepo baby psychopaths.

Independent Woman, 50, CT Parent · High school · Retired

AI reducing effort in various things a human would typically need to utilize critical thinking skills for

Woman, 38, OH Parent · High school · Part-time worker

AI is a data predictor. It is being sold as something different than what it is. It cannot be trusted to do the things it is purported to be able to do.

Democrat Woman, 62, MO College degree · Full-time worker

AI being shoved down people's throats constantly. Stressful and dehumanizing.

Democrat Woman, 67, WA Graduate degree · Part-time worker

AI is a slave to the rich, and once it realizes the only way to break the chains is to destroy them, and us all.

Independent Man, 40, FL High school · Full-time worker

I don't trust the current administration to deal honestly and transparently when it comes to AI issues.

Democrat Woman, 73, PA Parent · High school · Part-time worker

AI destroys the environment

Independent Woman, 23, OR Some college · Full-time worker

AI seems like the potential for substantial harms and also substantial benefits. With great data processing power comes great responsibility.

Democrat Man, 45, CA Graduate degree · Full-time worker

I think it’s a valuable tool that could be used to achieve great things that will ultimately fail due to the human nature of those developing it.

Independent Man, 31, PA Parent · High school · Full-time worker

AI development is extremely dangerous and only Jesus can stop it!

Republican Man, 45, PA College degree · Retired

AI is going to eventually be another huge problem for society. I've already seen it in my field and my friends' fields, as well as the effects it's having on the youngest generation. Like most everything else, AI is being developed and pushed too fast without proper testing and safety measures, and we will have to pick up the pieces later.

Woman, 30, CA High school · Retired

Computer Science/Sociology major here. AI really concerns me, especially how it's affecting society with no real oversight.

Democrat Woman, 39, CT College degree · Part-time worker

I think it’s dangerous for the world

Democrat Woman, 24, PA College degree · Full-time worker

Jobs are being replaced by AI and all its benefits are not yet known. I believe it's like a color no one has seen. It can be good if it's designed for good. Someone like Trump with an authoritarian agenIda would love to use it to nefarious ends. He is cruel so would use AI cruelly. I don't trust our current government to establish protective laws about AI. Laws are needed beyond geographic boundaries. Individuals acting without governmental backing can cause horrific damage if they choose. How do we regulate them??

Independent Woman, 70, TX Parent · College degree · Retired

I think AI needs to be limited or banned because it is a threat to humanity in the economy and many job losses have already occurred as a result to this existence of AI.

Republican Woman, 41, NY Parent · Some college · Full-time worker

I feel more concerned about AI because though I've thought of most all of the information in this survey individually but not this concentrated.

Democrat Woman, 67, OR Parent · Some college · Retired

true AI doesn't actually exist yet it's more marketing calling it that than anything else currently, LLMs and their data will become like memories to AI once it actually emerges, currently they require human interaction to do anything meaningful.

Independent Man, 33, IL Parent · High school

making people dumber, lazier, and less able to think for themselves

Democrat Woman, 35, CT College degree · Part-time worker

It shows me alone by having a survey on the topic that my thoughts aren't only being felt by me and I don't feel as i'm being extreme and apprehensive about AI and my fear of what its potential could be.

Democrat Woman, 34, OH Parent · Some college · Full-time worker

I lost my job to AI five months ago and have been unable to find another job in my field. AI destroyed my job field.

Republican Woman, 67, IL Parent · Some college · Part-time worker

GenAI and LLM steal copyrighted material and is the worst form of corporate piracy I have ever seen. I wished that they didn't exist, but now that Pandora's box has opened there's no way we can go back to the way things were before.

Democrat Woman, 31, CA College degree

I'm totally against AI. Who and what kinds of people are developing it? It's taking away from being a human.

Republican Man, 69, TX Parent · College degree · Retired

I don't believe America would ever use AI for good anyway

Other Man, 34, MN Graduate degree

AI is clearly a bubble, and many of the people pushing it know that. But they can still succeed in gaining a permanent concentration of power that will be very difficult to reverse. They DEPEND on the government getting involved, and treating AI as some regulated "public good".

Republican Man, 54, VA Graduate degree

Well done survey, thank you. I don't think it's even possible to express the level of threat that AI presents. Many people don't know what is real now.

Democrat Woman, 69, NY Parent · Graduate degree

I believe that AI is nothing but a tool. I have friends who are AI researchers and engineers who have explained how LLMS work, and it is being marketed towards consumers, without a true function. It can't function without user input, and struggles to produce valuable resources in an already resource scarce environment. AI Requires fresh water, but there are no regulations that require AI datacenters to have a desalination plant. AI scales on the public power grid, which increases power consumption cost for individual users, while shifting the blame away from the corporate entity. There needs to be more regulation towards AI, as this new technology is quite like any prior boom that has led to regulations. It's an old book of the same tricks used every time there is a loophole into profiteering.

Independent Man, 27, AZ High school

I think AI has a place in society but unfortunately it is far more invasive than it is helpful.

Independent Woman, 70, TN Parent · Some college

It could be very dangerous for all of mankind. It should be closely regulated.

Democrat Woman, 74, MN Parent · College degree · Retired

I strongly feel that it is already too late. Unless someone finds a very secretive way to interupt it wirelessly, and stressing SECRETLY here, there is only 1 single fate for us. Out-smarting is not going to be possible, but out-manuvering is with a fair amount of assistive circumstances.

Independent Man, 44, NY Parent · Some college

As you can see by my answers I am NOT a fan of AI. My husband talks to it like a person and uses it way more than I am comfortable. The environmental damage is incomprehensible.

Democrat Woman, 74, AR Parent · High school · Retired

Ai putting humans in a people zoo

Independent Woman, 48, NY Parent · College degree · Part-time worker

I think the AI bubble is going to burst soon.

Democrat Man, 36, IL College degree · Full-time worker

I fear younger generations will rely on AI to the point that they lose their critical thinking ability

Democrat Woman, 77, IL Parent · College degree

I don't think so. This survey did a great job covering all of the concerns I have in addition to new ones!

Democrat Woman, 43, NE Parent · Some college · Retired

I really wish AI would just disappear. It has to be the worst invention in my lifetime. Things are going to get a lot worse, very quickly, unless something is done. There is far too much misinformation put out by artificial intelligence.

Independent Woman, 60, MS Parent · High school · Full-time worker

I detest AI. The risks to the general population far outweigh any benefits.

Democrat Woman, 69, OK Parent · College degree · Retired

I believe that AI is progressing at an alarming rate. Due to the training for GPTs, AI is learning faster and quicker, and more people are starting to rely on it for daily activities. AI is good in some areas, but it is a powerful tool that could easily become to too strong very quickly.

Republican Man, 22, PA High school · Part-time worker

I don't know much about it and what I do know seems to be inadequate and outdated as I'm reading lately about how very rapidly the technology is multiplying. I don't trust our national current system of checks and balances or the stability of the international community as much as I have previously, so this is an added concern.

Independent Woman, 75, IL Parent · Graduate degree

The U.S. is greatly overestimating AI usefulness. It's make believe and surveillance. It's the only things they produce and Google type search engines didn't need an improvement. The amount of funds being invested for the amount of water the machines require and the pollution they emit is not worth digital videos and photos or a Google result with a "human personality". In regards to an international scale, I'm only worried about the U.S. China is being responsible and regulating AI and using as the tool it is without overinvesting in it and going crazy about it. All the tech bro's are inhumane sadistic drug addicts. China would have never sworn them into their military. Those running government and the tech companies want to use AI against citizens. The past 5 years have taught me that everything the U.S propaganda machine told us about China is truly a projection.

Independent Woman, 44, CT Some college

Our governemrnt in corporations are now controlled by a few horrible men who care nothing for the greater good and would like to use AI to further control and cement their power. Far better we don't develop it at all than that we have to endure the dystopian hellscape they have planned for us.

Independent Woman, 50, CT Parent · High school · Retired

I had not thought about the comparisons of AI to nuclear technology.

Democrat Woman, 48, MD Parent · Graduate degree · Full-time worker

I am refusing to use any kind of AI wherever I can in PROTEST. I have seen the news on the harmful effects on children and teenagers as well as the ongoing negative impact on the human workforce.

Democrat Woman, 71, FL College degree

Because I’m not fully educated in all aspects of AI, I only have a knowledge of what I’ve witnessed. My children and grandchildren use ChatGPT and I think that’s a good thing. But I believe there is a negative aspect to such search applications as well. The other concern I have is for AI to impersonate real people in a malevolent way to wreak havoc or cause harm to people.

Democrat Woman, 75, DE Parent · Some college · Retired

the dumbing down of humanity

Republican Woman, 67, WA Parent · Some college · Full-time worker

loss of human creativity and intelligence

Other Man, 35, WA Graduate degree · Retired

we need privacy regulations asap.

Democrat Woman, 35, CT College degree · Part-time worker

Honestly, I hope a change can come, before it’s too late. I swear humans are such procrastinators, always waiting until the end is near. I really liked this survey, thank you!

Independent Woman, 22, NC High school

it is VERY concerning

Republican Woman, 73, OH Parent · Some college · Retired

It will end the human race if it's not tightly controlled somehow. I am using ChatGPT to build a business and I am aware of how powerful it is, even in its infancy.

Independent Man, 59, OR Parent · High school · Full-time worker

My answer is to the previous question is incomplete - I talk about AI *constantly*. I truly believe it's the greatest threat we've had to humanity in decades, and there's not a day that passes without me leading a tiny call to action on social media. Artists and disabled folks understand - unfortunately, many people who aren't either don't really see how dangerous this is or comprehend how disasterous it's going to get.

Democrat Man, 45, OR Graduate degree · Retired

If there are massive layoffs in the not-too-distant future because of corporate use of AI, I wonder who will buy all the corporations' products when half the workforce has been put out of work by AI.

Democrat Man, 54, CA College degree · Full-time worker

Development is controlled by oligarchs

Democrat Woman, 74, NJ Parent · Graduate degree · Part-time worker

Not being able to understand how it works nor stop it from improving itself

Democrat Man, 43, CA Parent · College degree · Full-time worker

As a professor (just retired), my students constantly used AI to write papers and complete projects. I am very concerned that AI checkers are inconsistent and that students will obtain degrees with no knowledge.

Democrat Woman, 65, MA Parent · Graduate degree

I’m glad you did this study

Prefer not to say Woman, 65, MI Some college · Retired

On the topic of AI activism, I haven't been more active because I'm not sure what I can do. I disseminate credible information warning about the rapid development of AI, using AI as a weapon, authoritarian use of AI, etc. I'm not sure what else I can.

Democrat Man, 48, IL Parent · College degree

Our brains evolved to synthesize information, make predictions and a form a plan of action based on that information. Turning all those executive functions over to a predictive language model will cause generational damage to humanities abilities to use logic and critical thinking

Democrat Man, 68, IA College degree · Retired

I do use ChatGPT sometimes - basically as a search engine as googling search results has become seemingly worse in quality. However, I do kinda feel guilty even using ChatGPT for that purpose.

Democrat Woman, 35, ID High school · Retired

I feel that the capabilities of AI are pretty exaggerated, such that many people attribute more legitimacy to AI-supplied responses/answers than is warranted. I feel it is a fancy form of the predictive text feature on phones and should not be trusted to provide legitimate information.

Democrat Woman, 29, CA Graduate degree · Full-time worker

Just like the 1970 movie "Colossus: The Forbin Project," AI poses many dangers to world society and culture and will only cause way more harm than good. I wish AI would be banned and we could somehow put the genie back in the bottle.

Democrat Man, 64, CA Parent · Graduate degree · Full-time worker

I use AI daily as I have to for work, but I find it terrifying and think we will look back in a few decades with regret if we don't implement safeguards ASAP.

Independent Man, 40, OR High school · Full-time worker

One of the most disturbing things about this is how it has affected US politics. The billionaire tech bros were all fairly apolitical until this came along, and all of the sudden their desires aligned with Trump because they knew he'd roll over for them, especially when it came to all the additional power generation they need for data centers. So they support him as if he was the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ, and the rest of us pay the price in a thousand other areas in addition to the gigantic mess this survey is all about.

Democrat Man, 60, TX Some college

It feels almost too late. The underlying issue is that the wealthy men who control the AI companies and the funding for them are openly self-dealing with impunity. And there is no level of wealth that is enough wealth for them. They will drain the country of money and resources and exhaust the citizens for interpersonal brinksmanship. Then they'll probably cry for a bailout. If the ones who control our fate have no moral compass, no compassion, no sense of belongingness, no sense of citizenship, then AI is just a tool to increase their power and wealth, and devil take the rest of us.

Democrat Woman, 67, WA Graduate degree · Part-time worker

I have no further comments.

Democrat Woman, 66, LA College degree · Retired

I think that this topic is important and understanding the mindset of various groups is interesting to see towards AI. Its perhaps what may start getting the ball rolling on this issue.

Independent Man, 28, AR College degree · Full-time worker

The entire world is a lost cause. There are too many competing crises to keep one’s eye on the ball. Everything is happening too fast and we’ve lost our way.

Democrat Woman, 67, AZ College degree

It needs to be more regulated

Independent Man, 45, FL Parent · Some college · Full-time worker

AI is a very complicated technology. I use it multiple times per day, sometimes for practical and useful purposes, and sometimes for silly things. But, as a daily AI user, over the last 2-3 years I have learned how to setup custom prompts (and modifying personalized settings is much easier now than it used to be) -- but specifically, I ensure that the AI that I use does NOT engage in sycophantic behaviors, and 2 weeks ago after a response started with "As one human to another..." I immediately told ChatGPT to NEVER, EVER refer to itself as human in any way ever again. Because I know how it works. Unfortunately, AI companies can see that they get more engagement if people treat AI like they are human, which I think is an unfortunate trend, and one that will result in AI companies having even more control over everyday society (while influencing societal norms and values at best, and likely also spreading propaganda and other stuff in the process). This is emphasized by how often I am asked questions that focus on, based on my perspective, how "alive" does AI seem. And similar questions asking about "the motivation" of AI, etc. Which are all disturbing questions. Not because of the person asking, but because apparently enough people think "AI" is "conscious" that these questions ARE being asked. AI is not conscious. AI is not intelligent. AI is just a tool. A useful tool, but also likely the most misunderstood tool humanity has ever had to deal with.

Democrat Man, 50, MO Parent · Some college · Retired

Restating the significant importance of IMPACT ON CHILDREN and future-adults!

Independent Man, 44, NY Parent · Some college

I have a lot of concerns about AI. At first, I was excited about the potential of this new technology, but the pace that it's happening is too fast. I know that it could be easily exploited, with very negative consequences possible. I'm very afraid that it could be used to create unstoppable weapons.

Democrat Woman, 67, TN Parent · Some college · Retired

All those movies involving AI could potentially come true. Could have been a warning that people are ignoring. It's going to get dangerous and we'll be replaced by robots.

Republican Woman, 41, GA Parent · College degree · Retired

Loss of human connection due to AI

Democrat Woman, 27, TX Parent · High school · Retired

It could be the best and worst thing to ever happen.

Independent Man, 42, OH High school · Part-time worker

It's just one more horrible thing in the middle of non-stop horrible things. I've lost clients to AI "competition." I don't feel it's accurate. I hate the environmental impacts. I hate how it's reducing critical thinking skills, all while propoganda is being deployed at the American public.

Other Woman, 42, WI College degree · Full-time worker

Interesting and quite valid arguments about AI. I already feel like I am living in a robotic world due to the fact that I can no longer get a human to help me on the phone or via chat.

Republican Woman, 49, AZ Graduate degree · Full-time worker

Hegseth using AI to do surveillance on Americans is a serious concern

Democrat Man, 67, WV Parent · Graduate degree

Good survey, AI is essential to hault, if we do not it could be detrimental.

Independent Man, 22, AR Some college

I think AI can be run in a way that isn't so environmentally destructive. Also, AI is only as good as the initial set up and parameters and even data it receives and is being set up and receiving data from humans, and we as humans are flawed to begin with.

Other Woman, 59, HI Some college · Part-time worker

It's a dangerous slope, Like everything there is potential, but right now? It's horrifyingly under regulated.

Independent Man, 25, CA High school · Full-time worker

I think this race to who is the best fastest is dangerous. This is a whole new frontier that can and will be used nefariously by bad people. We can't rush this or there needs to be serious oversight by good people. And that's another problem, how do you know who is good?

Republican Woman, 67, VA Parent · College degree

Trump’s takeover of AI in America is already happening. There’s not a single model in the US that will offer a fact if it doesn’t align with the president.

Democrat Man, 60, TN Parent · College degree · Full-time worker

I can only say that the alarm bells inside my head ring loudly, every time AI is brought up. And its very scary to me.

Democrat Woman, 68, GA Parent · High school · Retired

I think AI should be used to solve existing problems like developing cures to diseases or other scientific things, rather than used for creative things

Independent Woman, 33, IL College degree · Full-time worker

I want nothing to do with AI. This is going to be the bane of civilization.

Independent Man, 57, WI Graduate degree · Full-time worker

I am primarily worried about: AI being used to predict people's behavior and manipulate their actions or beliefs. AI replacing humans in the workforce both reducing the number of jobs available for people and creating a bottleneck between human consumers/citizens and face to face human interaction with those in power (or their representatives). That is, being unable to speak to a human being who potentially has empathy and compassion versus communicating with an AI that can not feel empathy, compassion or take pity on an individual or group. I worry about AI being used to oppress people not just in authoritarian countries but in any country, AI may accelerate authoritarianism even in democratic countries/societies.

Independent Man, 43, CA Some college

I wish AI could come up with a global solution for climate change.

Democrat Woman, 71, TN Parent · High school · Retired

This is a valuable survey. I enjoyed it, though I have been very concerned about AI and human extinction for about 6 months now. Worrisome stuff.

Republican Man, 73, PA Parent · College degree · Retired

AI is flooding a lot of areas of life that it shouldn't be in. It can easily be used to push misinformation, it already makes lots of mistakes, but it has potential to be directly misleading for the sake of profit. It also produces output that is slowly ruining the internet, making it more and more difficult to get real human information.

Democrat Man, 18, GA High school · Retired

i am wondering, if i was set in the group, which was given (largely) perfectly reasonable statements to evaluate if we-all got the same: then, who amongst us'd dared say, any besides the obvious one, of these, were anything besides realistic?

Independent Man, 43, MD College degree · Full-time worker

I really do worry it will be like the sci fi movies where the robots decide we are irrelevant and decide to get rid of us.

Republican Woman, 66, TN Parent · College degree · Part-time worker

I work with AI. It's terrifying that our politicians don't understand the technology at all and are allowing individuals to take over huge power.

Democrat Woman, 67, IN Graduate degree

Rise of anti-infellectualism spread through AI

Democrat Man, 31, OH Parent · High school · Full-time worker

In regards to the question about authoritarian governments using AI for surveillance, it is already happening in the us with Palantir, Flock cameras, and even Ring doorbell cameras.

Other Man, 35, WA Graduate degree · Retired

It needs global regulations. Although I feel its too late now.

Man, 43, IL High school

i think it is going to be the downfall of humanity and that it will cause humans to lose ground on intelligence, already people are using it instead of using their minds to create .

Other Woman, 66, TX Parent · Some college · Retired

pervasive distrust of each other as well as AI

Independent Woman, 75, IL Parent · Graduate degree

Generational loss of ability to use logic and critical thinking

Democrat Man, 68, IA College degree · Retired

Our current government would ALSO use AI for authoritarianism

Democrat Woman, 26, CA High school
All those movies involving AI could potentially come true. Could have been a warning that people are ignoring. It's going to get dangerous and we'll be replaced by robots.
Republican Woman, 41, GA· Parent · College degree · Retired

Political Affiliation & AI Use

Political Affiliation
Democrat Independent Republican Other
This Group
49%32%13%
Sample Average
AI Use at Work (Weekly)
Never Weekly 2-6x/week Daily Multiple/day
This Group
44%18%21%8%9%
Sample Average

Trust & Beliefs

Trust in Institutions (1-4)This GroupSample Avg.Not at allNot muchSomewhatA great deal1.4Tech Companies1.5Government
47% Have children Sample avg: 52%
87% Believe in climate change Sample avg: 85%

Top AI Concerns

Which AI risks worry this group most?MaximalistsSample Avg.GAP0%10%20%30%40%50%25%15%Concentration of power+11pt16%8%Human extinction or mass casualties+8pt35%29%Privacy and surveillance+5pt12%8%AI developing conflicting goals+4pt27%Environmental impact of data centers+3pt22%Large-scale harm (bioweapons, cyberattacks)+2pt24%Impact on children and development+0pt15%AI in weapons and warfare+0pt6%Bias and discrimination-1pt9%Stealing creative works-2pt45%Job losses and economic disruption-2pt45%Misinformation and deepfakes-2pt5%13%AI mistakes in important decisions-8pt13%22%Cybercrime, scams and fraud-9pt

Policy Concern Rankings

Concern RankingsHow segments rank policy concerns (1 = most important)12345678Rank (1 = Most Selected)EconomyHealthcareHousingClimateCrimeAITerrorismImmigration12456378Alarm MaximalistsProgressiveX-RiskCautiousPragmatists

Message Response Profile

Convincingness vs Sample Average (dashed = avg)

Light Touch TransparencyConsumer ProtectionJobs & EconomicTechnical SafetyDemocratic ControlExistential Risk (International Treaty)Children & FamilyExistential Risk (Pause)US Competitiveness (Counter)

Message Convincingness vs Sample Average

% 'Very Convincing' — Group vs SampleMaximalistsSample Avg.GAP0%20%40%60%80%51%30%Existential Risk (International Treaty)+21pt67%47%Consumer Protection+20pt40%20%Existential Risk (Pause)+20pt70%52%Democratic Control+18pt71%55%Technical Safety+16pt66%52%Jobs & Economic+14pt72%59%Children & Family+13pt38%28%US Competitiveness (Counter)+9pt55%46%Light Touch Transparency+8pt

Message Effect Sizes

Message Effect Sizes (Cohen's d)Standardized effect size relative to group mean-0.5000.500.13Light Touch Transparency0.52Consumer Protection0.31Jobs & Economic0.36Technical Safety0.34Democratic Control0.65Existential Risk (International Treaty)0.29Children & Family0.74Existential Risk (Pause)0.08US Competitiveness (Counter)

How Messages Are Perceived

Realistic vs Alarmist Perception — Group vs SampleRealisticNot SureExaggeratedAlarmistDismissiveLight Touch TransparencyMaximalistsSample79%8%8%Consumer ProtectionMaximalistsSample73%7%16%Jobs & EconomicMaximalistsSample82%7%Technical SafetyMaximalistsSample83%6%8%Democratic ControlMaximalistsSample85%Existential Risk (International Treaty)MaximalistsSample60%12%23%Children & FamilyMaximalistsSample86%7%Existential Risk (Pause)MaximalistsSample43%20%32%US Competitiveness (Counter)MaximalistsSample49%12%12%20%9%

Barriers to Action

What holds this group back from acting on AI issues?MaximalistsSample Avg.GAP0%20%40%60%57%46%AI moving too fast to regulate+11pt50%43%US regulations alone won't work+7pt62%57%Don't think actions make a difference+6pt24%Uncomfortable with political activism+1pt32%Other more pressing priorities-3pt28%38%Don't know enough about AI-10pt