Most Americans Say AI Is Bad for Society and Oppose New Data Centers

AI seen as more harmful than helpful

An ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll found that 57% of Americans say artificial intelligence is bad for society, while 42% say it is good. Only 2% say it is extremely good for society, and 17% say it is extremely bad. Americans under 30 are more likely to say AI is bad for society than older Americans. Majorities of Democrats and independents say AI is bad for society, while Republicans are more evenly split. When asked about personal impact, 50% say AI is good for them and 49% say it is bad for them.

Risks outweigh perceived benefits

Majorities of Americans see high risks from the growth of AI. The poll found 73% see a high risk of AI hacking secure computer systems, 65% see a high risk of job elimination, 62% see a high risk of people losing the ability to make their own decisions without AI, 54% see a high risk of increased economic inequality, and 33% see a high risk of human extinction. Smaller shares see a big chance of benefits: 34% say AI has a big chance of making everyday tasks easier, 30% say it has a big chance of leading to U.S. dominance in AI technology, 20% say it has a big chance of making people more productive, and 13% say it has a big chance of creating many new jobs.

Regulation and data centers

Two-thirds of Americans say the federal government is not doing enough to regulate AI, and 22% say it is doing about the right amount. Two-thirds disapprove of how President Donald Trump is handling AI, while 30% approve. The poll also found 66% oppose construction of new data centers in the U.S., rising to 72% when asked about building one in their own community. The survey was conducted Oct. 9-13, 2026, among 2,545 U.S. adults, with an error margin of plus or minus 2 points.

Sources: abcnews.com