A recent CBS News poll shows Americans are wary yet hopeful about artificial intelligence’s societal impact. Although many believe AI will ease job-related tasks, a significant number fear job reduction and economic drawbacks. There’s also widespread concern about AI’s ability to produce misleading content, creating a complex landscape for understanding and utilizing this technology.
In recent findings by CBS News, a significant number of Americans believe artificial intelligence (AI) could greatly impact society. However, unlike the optimistic views held during the rise of the internet, many are wary of AI’s potential drawbacks. Key concerns include the spread of misleading information and its effects on job availability, with many feeling AI is more of a problem than a solution.
When it comes to jobs, the outlook is mixed. While a portion of respondents feel AI will simplify tasks in their field, many also think it threatens job availability. There’s a noticeable divide in perceptions based on educational attainment—college grads tend to believe AI will ease workloads more than those without degrees. Still, even those with higher education express concerns about AI reducing job numbers, highlighting widespread trepidation.
Public outlook on AI’s economic effects raises eyebrows. Many more folks perceive AI’s evolution as harmful rather than beneficial to the economy. This sentiment starkly contrasts with views from two decades ago when the internet’s growth was seen as overwhelmingly positive. Back in 1999, nearly 70% of Americans thought the rise of internet companies would be good for the economy. Today, however, there’s a notable disconnect between how the public feels compared to AI experts regarding the economic benefits of AI.
While most Americans agree AI can outperform humans in specific, tedious tasks like internet searches and data analysis, the confidence diminishes when it comes to interpersonal skills and creativity. Areas like customer service, artistic creation, and critical judgment tasks—think driving or making medical decisions—are deemed risky when left to AI.
Concerns run high that AI could generate misleading content, with half of all survey respondents expressing serious worry over this possibility. Even though a slight majority believe they can discern between AI-generated and human-created materials, many admit they struggle to differentiate between the two, particularly among those who don’t actively use AI.
Public understanding of AI is emerging. About two-thirds of participants in the poll claim they grasp AI concepts well enough, reflecting similar figures to those seen in the late 90s regarding the internet. However, gaps in understanding are apparent, particularly by age and gender—80% of those under 45 feel knowledgeable about AI, contrasting sharply with only around 50% of Americans aged 65 and above. Men generally report a better understanding and a more positive outlook on AI’s economic impact than women.
Interestingly, 40% of respondents say they personally use AI, mostly for personal rather than professional tasks. For those using it at work, there’s an inclination towards feeling more confident about AI’s role in making jobs easier. While the current percentage claiming a need to use AI resembles those early internet days, early adopters today still skew younger and male—the same demographic trends as back then.
Lastly, 60% of Americans believe AI will bring about deeper societal changes than the internet did. That’s quite a significant consideration. In fact, previous findings asserted the internet was set to change society more than the telephone or television did—a bold assertion, even by today’s standards.
The CBS News poll reveals a cautious America: While many see potential for AI to shape society positively, significant concern lingers about its capacity to create problems. Jobs and economic impact are vital areas of ambivalence, indicative of a crucial moment in AI development. As understanding evolves, it’s essential for the public to engage with AI, balancing innovation against caution.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
