Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Most Americans view artificial intelligence as a good way to remain globally competitive, according to a new poll shared with Axios on Monday.
Why it matters: The proliferation of AI has sparked all sorts of concerns from its impact on jobs to the environment.
- But the poll, released by Morning Consult and industry group TechNet, shows it's not all doom and gloom as most of the adults surveyed say they're also feeling positive about the technology.
What they found: 3 in 5 adults said AI will have a positive impact on the U.S.'s ability to compete with other countries and a majority of adults agree that AI has the potential to help strengthen national security.
Americans are also supportive of AI companies and the government working together, per the poll:
- 62% of those polled support banning the export of AI products to hostile foreign countries
- 62% are in favor of AI companies helping government workers learn about and use AI
- 62% support AI companies and the government joining up to advance "responsible AI development"
- And 60% back AI companies helping the government test AI tools for feds to use
Our thought bubble: With their incoming sweep of Washington, Republicans are expected to take a hands-off regulatory approach to AI and focus on how to foster innovation and beat China in the global tech race.
- American attitudes seem supportive of global competitiveness though concerns around bias, the creative economy, deepfakes and many others remain.
- While lawmakers this Congress initially felt a sense of urgency around legislating AI, that fizzled out. Now there's more discussion that most concerns can be handled by enforcing laws already on the books.
Methodology: 4,005 adults were surveyed between Nov. 21-24.
- Results have a margin of error of 2± percentage points.
