A new Fox News national survey has revealed a nuanced public sentiment toward artificial intelligence (AI) as its integration into daily life continues to expand. While there has been a noticeable increase in positive perceptions of AI—43% of voters now view it as beneficial—nearly half of respondents (47%) still consider it harmful to society. This reflects a slight but notable shift from April 2023, when optimism about AI had grown by 5 percentage points, though skepticism has remained largely unchanged. The survey highlights a complex division in opinions, with urban, younger, and nonwhite voters appearing more open to AI’s potential, while rural voters and older demographics remain more distrustful. Despite rising familiarity with the technology, concerns about its ethical implications, the need for regulation, and its potential impact on employment continue to dominate public discourse.
The poll also reveals mixed views among political parties. While Democrats split evenly on AI, with 44% viewing it as beneficial and 46% as harmful, Republicans are more likely to support its role in society, with 47% seeing it positively compared to 42% who view it negatively. Independents, on the other hand, are more evenly split, with a majority (58%) expressing concern about AI’s societal impact. The survey suggests that while there is growing comfort with the technology, public trust in its use remains fragmented.
One of the most intriguing findings is the shift in first reactions to AI, with 43% of respondents providing a negative response, up 8 percentage points since 2023. Common negative responses include fear, distrust, and general negativity, while only 3% of voters link AI to concerns about job loss. Positivity has also increased, with 26% of respondents expressing warmth toward AI, citing innovation, cautious optimism, and general positivity as factors. However, a significant portion of respondents (9%) hold neutral views, while a small percentage express concerns about AI’s potential for abuse, confusion, or the need for regulation.
The survey also highlights a disparity in AI adoption based on demographics. Nonwhite men, Hispanic voters, urban residents, and younger individuals are most likely to use AI platforms regularly, with over 40% accessing AI tools daily or weekly. In contrast, rural voters, Independents, and women over 45 are significantly less likely to engage with AI technology. This gap in usage may further contribute to the persistent divide in public opinion, as those who use AI regularly tend to have a more balanced view of its impact, whereas infrequent users are more inclined to express skepticism.
Confidence in the ability to detect AI-generated content has also increased, with 60% of voters feeling confident they can identify AI-generated material. However, trust in the government’s ability to regulate AI remains low, with only 38% expressing confidence in the government’s capacity to manage its ethical and societal implications. This divide is particularly pronounced among political affiliations, with Republicans showing the highest level of confidence (52%) in government regulation, compared to Democrats (30%) and Independents (25%). Despite this, a majority of all groups express confidence in identifying AI content, indicating a growing awareness of the technology’s presence in media and communication.
As AI continues to shape industries, workplaces, and societal norms, the findings underscore the need for ongoing dialogue about its role in the future. While the survey captures a shift toward acceptance, the persistent skepticism and demands for regulation reflect a broader public discourse that is still evolving. As the technology becomes more ingrained in daily life, the balance between innovation and ethical responsibility will remain a central issue in public and political discussions.