Americans express more concern than excitement about the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in society. A new survey, “Americans on AI,” conducted by Athena Insights and first shared with The Hill, reveals public sentiment about these technological developments. The survey indicates that most Americans have formed opinions on AI, regardless of their exposure to the technology.
The survey reflects that 28% of the 1,814 respondents are “very concerned,” with an additional 37% expressing they are “somewhat concerned” about AI’s expanding presence. In contrast, 6% of participants are “very excited,” while 18% are “somewhat excited.” A small percentage, only 1%, had no opinion, and 9% felt the provided options did not accurately capture their feelings.
Interestingly, these concerns span across political affiliations, despite differing approaches from Democratic and Republican lawmakers in Washington. The survey is designed to capture changes in public opinion over time. Colin Hyatt Bortner of Athena Insights emphasizes the survey’s neutrality, stating, “To the extent AI impacts people negatively or positively, it will show in the data and influence policy response.” The survey also inquires whether AI can aid in medical and scientific progress or improve healthcare.
This biweekly survey aims to track shifts in public opinion on AI for the coming year.
For further insights, read the full report on TheHill.com.
Other Technology Headlines:
Jeremy Hansen’s Resignation: Jeremy Hansen, a Canadian astronaut involved in NASA’s Artemis II mission, announced his retirement from the Canadian Space Agency. Hansen assures continued commitment to Canada’s progress in his statement.
SpaceX Gift: SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell announced a donation of SpaceX stock to Trump Accounts, benefitting over two million children across the United States.
Texas App Store Law: The Supreme Court allows Texas to enforce a law requiring app stores and developers to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent for those under 18, amidst ongoing legal challenges.
In Brief:
- Amazon plans a significant bond sale of at least $25 billion, with no further debt issuance planned for 2026, according to CNBC.
- The U.S. cyber agency employs Anthropic’s Mythos for government code audits, as reported by Reuters.
Tags: Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.