More than 80% of American voters perceive artificial intelligence (AI) as a threat to workers, according to a recent survey. Respondents identified AI as a more significant employment risk than illegal immigration or competition from foreign workers.
On October 7, Reuters reported that a survey conducted by Reuters and Ipsos among 4,506 U.S. adults found that 84% of registered voters view AI as a threat to American workers.
This figure surpasses the perceived threats from illegal immigration (60%), competition with foreign workers (74%), and large corporations (73%).
The rapid advancement of AI technology has raised concerns about job displacement alongside expectations for increased productivity.
Concerns extend beyond employment issues. Sixty-two percent of registered voters believe AI could become uncontrollable and pose a threat to humanity's future. Similar levels of concern were noted in a comparable survey conducted in August of the previous year.
The anxiety surrounding AI has translated into calls for increased government regulation. The survey revealed that 57% of registered voters feel the Trump administration has not taken the risks associated with AI seriously enough. About one-third of Republican supporters shared this sentiment.
Additionally, 54% of respondents believe Congress is not adequately addressing the dangers posed by AI.
Support for regulatory measures spans political lines, with 80% of Democratic supporters and 61% of Republican supporters favoring stronger government regulations on AI.
More than half of voters, 56%, support imposing restrictions on the construction of data centers, which are critical facilities for the AI industry. Support for such limits includes 69% of Democratic supporters, 55% of independents, and 43% of Republican supporters.
Data centers consume large amounts of electricity, and their expansion in the U.S. has led to rising electricity costs and conflicts over noise and community impact.
There is also a growing reluctance regarding the military use of AI. Fifty-seven percent of respondents believe the U.S. government should not use AI to determine military targets, an increase of 8 percentage points from a similar survey conducted in August of the previous year.
As concerns about AI grow, the Trump administration is actively promoting the development of the AI industry and the expansion of data centers, arguing that enhancing AI capabilities and infrastructure is essential for maintaining a competitive edge over China.
On September 29, President Trump announced that six companies, including Nvidia, SpaceX, OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta, and Google, have agreed to voluntary AI safety principles.
The agreement includes provisions for independent audits to ensure AI systems operate as intended by their developers. However, no penalties for non-compliance were specified.
Discussions about the need for AI regulation continue in U.S. politics, with voices from both progressive Senator Bernie Sanders and Trump ally Steve Bannon advocating for regulatory measures.
Congress has yet to reach a consensus on comprehensive legislation to manage the risks associated with AI.
The White House emphasizes that AI can provide new opportunities for the U.S. economy and workers. A White House official told Reuters, "The Trump administration's priority is to grow the economy, provide ample opportunities for workers, and minimize the shocks from short-term changes."
The survey was conducted online across the U.S. from September 30 to October 5, involving 4,506 adults, of whom 3,526 were registered voters. The margin of error is ±2 percentage points.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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