Poll Finds 73% of Americans Worried AI Could Threaten Human Survival

A new Quinnipiac poll has found that 73% of Americans are concerned that artificial intelligence could pose a threat to human survival, highlighting widespread public unease about the rapid advancement of AI technology.

The survey also found that 86% of respondents support the creation of independent safety standards for AI companies, even if such standards were to slow the pace of AI development. The findings suggest that a large majority of the public favors caution and oversight over unrestricted technological progress in the field.

The poll adds to a growing body of public opinion research capturing anxiety about AI's trajectory, as companies continue to release increasingly capable models and lawmakers debate how to regulate the technology. Public concern of this magnitude could add pressure on policymakers considering AI safety legislation.

The results come amid ongoing congressional hearings and expert testimony about the risks posed by advanced AI systems, suggesting the public mood may be aligning with calls from some researchers for stronger safeguards.