More now say AI does more harm than good: Survey
A recent survey indicates that more Americans believe AI does more harm than good, with growing concerns over its impact on jobs and responsible use by businesses. In response to these concerns, New York Governor Kathy Hochul enacted a one-year freeze on data center development. Additionally, a federal bill proposing a national data center moratorium was introduced in Congress by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
A recent Bentley University-Gallup survey reveals a significant shift in American sentiment towards artificial intelligence, with 39 percent of respondents now believing AI does more harm than good, an increase from 31 percent in 2023. Conversely, only 9 percent believe AI does more good, down from 11 percent. Distrust in businesses to use AI responsibly also rose, marking the first increase since the poll began.
This change in public opinion, which settled in 2026 after two years of optimism, is largely attributed to the concern that 79 percent of respondents think AI will reduce U.S. jobs over the next decade. This aligns with a March analysis by Anthropic, which found white-collar jobs to be highly susceptible to AI displacement. Despite these concerns, the survey indicates respondents believe AI performs similarly or worse than humans in tasks like financial advice or driving.
In response to growing concerns, governmental bodies are taking action. New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D-N.Y.) recently enacted a one-year freeze on data center construction across the state, aimed at providing lawmakers time to develop a comprehensive environmental and energy framework for the technology. On the national level, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) introduced the Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act in March, proposing a ban on new data center construction until stronger national safeguards are established to address risks and protect working families.