Americans Express Mixed Feelings on AI Technologies, Survey Reveals

A survey conducted by the AI company Anthropic, known for its Claude AI, reveals contrasting attitudes among Americans toward artificial intelligence. Nearly 64% of the respondents express fear of job losses due to AI, making it the top concern across various demographics, including political affiliations and education levels. This survey, dubbed the "Public Record," gathered insights from nearly 52,000 Americans in late 2025, marking it as one of the largest national polls on public sentiment regarding AI.

While anxiety surrounds the potential for economic disruption, 49% of those surveyed believe AI could be beneficial in curing diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s. In addition, 36% of respondents expressed hope for AI’s role in assisting individuals with disabilities. Interestingly, the notion of AI replacing human connection, such as providing therapy, ranked lowest among preferences. These opinions highlight a duality: a desire for technological advancements to enhance health while remaining cautious about its societal consequences.

Despite the public's optimism regarding potential health benefits from AI, trust in the sector is notably low. Only 15% of participants trust AI companies to responsibly make decisions about technology development, a figure that lags behind trust levels for government entities and independent experts. This skepticism is underscored by a growing bipartisan consensus for regulatory measures, with over 70% of respondents favoring government involvement in oversight. Support for regulation is particularly robust among Democrats at 79%, followed by 68% of Republicans trusting the need for such intervention.

As AI technologies continue to evolve, the implications for employment and societal norms remain contentious issues. Monitoring public sentiment and trust will be essential as stakeholders navigate the growing landscape of artificial intelligence.