A new poll has found that 90 percent of Americans are more fearful than excited by the rapid development of AI.
The CNN poll, which was conducted by SSRS, found that 9 out of 10 respondents were more concerned than excited by the technology. People's feelings toward the construction of data centers, the infrastructure being used to fuel AI development, were also viewed negatively.
There has been a groundswell of opposition toward data centers across the country as people worry about the high energy needs of the facilities. Other concerns focus on potential water use and noise.
The poll found that 80 percent had negative feelings about the quick pace of AI development. They also were not excited about how AI might change their life.
Like other recent polls, CNN found that concern about AI and opposition to data centers were not partisan issues. For example, a recent Politico poll found that two-thirds of Americans rate AI's potential to destroy humanity as "moderate." The poll, too, found that concern crossed party lines.
Republican and Democratic state governors have announced moratoriums on data centers for a variety of reasons.
In July, Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul announced a moratorium on data centers in New York while standards for the facilities were created. This week, Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a pause on data center permits, pending an audit assessing their potential impact on Texas' energy grid and water supply.
Regardless, President Trump has repeatedly tried to frame the issue as partisan.
"Over the years, there have been many Hoaxes, all generated by the Radical Left Dumocrats, for purposes of destroying our Country. RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA, UKRAINE, UKRAINE, UKRAINE, Global Warming, Impeachment Hoax #1, Impeachment Hoax #2, Men in Women's Sports, Transgender for Everyone, and now, the decimation, or destruction, of AI," Trump wrote on social media recently.
Despite public concern regarding AI, and outright opposition to data centers, President Trump has said he supports the industry and does not support slowing down AI development.
"We will not in any way hinder or stifle the Growth of this incredible Industry. Rather, we will cherish it, help it, and watch over it, as it grows!" Trump wrote on social media. "However, we will also be looking for BAD, and we can do that, very easily, with our already existing Criminal and Civil Justice System. For this purpose, I am forming the AI Force, much like I did Space Force, which has been a tremendous SUCCESS, in my First Term."
