Voters Weigh in on AI and America’s Future
Artificial intelligence is already transforming the way Americans live, work, and solve complex challenges.
From life-saving medical research to economic growth and national security, AI has the potential to drive historic advancements. Yet, as with any emerging technology, AI raises concerns about misuse and the need for responsible governance.
Policymakers face a choice: they can create an environment that fosters innovation while addressing targeted risks, or they can overregulate, driving AI research and investment elsewhere. This briefing outlines where voters stand on AI—what excites them, what concerns them, and what they expect from lawmakers. The data is clear: Americans want policies that protect them from harm without stifling progress.
The United States must lead in AI development, not surrender that leadership to global competitors. With smart, consistent policies guided by experts, we can harness AI’s full potential while ensuring accountability and security.
POLL RESULTS
1. There are numerous ways Americans access Al technology. Some of these are commonly used voice applications such as Amazon Alexa or Siri, search engines such as Google or Bing, or chat-based programs such as ChatGPT or WebMD. How often do you access any of these types of Al applications?
2. Generally speaking, which of the following four responses best describes your feelings towards Al?
3. How much do you trust Al applications to provide accurate information about topics important to you?
4. Who do you trust most to develop advances in Al technology: the government, technology corporations, or credentialed scientists and researchers?
5. How important is it for the United States to lead the rest of the world in developing Al technology?
6. Of the following four benefits, which advances in Al technology are you most excited about?
7. Of the following four options, in which area do you think Al technology has the most potential for harm?
8. Would you support or oppose creating an independent government council to advise elected leaders when it comes to laws governing Al technology?
9. Which entity is better suited to develop regulations governing Al technology, the federal government or individual state governments?
10. When individuals misuse Al technology to break the law, who do you believe should be held accountable: the company that developed the technology or the individual who committed the crime?
11. How concerned are you about Al technology being used to impersonate you or your family members?
12. How concerned are you about criminals and bad actors who use Al technology to create deceptive materials such as impersonations and child pornography?
13. How concerned are you about foreign countries using Al technology to steal your personal information?
14. Generally speaking, would you prefer an increase or decrease in government regulations on the development and use of Al technology?
15. Do you think it should be easier or more difficult for companies to develop Al technology that helps improve national security?
16. Do you think it should be easier or more difficult for companies to develop Al technology that helps researchers find cures for rare diseases?
17. Do you think it should be easier or more difficult for companies to develop Al technology that aims to reduce the cost of groceries, utilities, and gasoline?
18. Do you think it should be easier or more difficult for companies to develop Al technology in key areas such as natural disaster prediction, air traffic safety, and government efficiency?
Results for this poll were collected using a sampling frame that gathered responses from 1,170 likely national voters during live calls, online panels, and automated telephone interviews conducted by Cor Strategies, Inc.
The survey was conducted February 6–10, 2025. The margin of sampling error is ±2.87 percentage points. The margin of sampling error may be higher or lower for subgroups. Results presented may not always appear to total 100 percent due to rounding.
Data were post-stratified using weighted demographic information from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey Voting and Registration Supplement and the state election authorities.
Demographic information for actual voters in past elections was used to construct sample target weights.
Cicero Institute paid for all costs associated with this survey.
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