AI Trust Gap Could Influence U.S. Midterm Elections, Survey Suggests

A growing disconnect exists between Americans' adoption of artificial intelligence and their trust in the institutions developing it, a dynamic that could influence voter behavior in upcoming U.S. midterm elections, according to a new survey.

While AI tools like chatbots are being used daily by a substantial portion of the population, only 39% of Americans believe AI has a positive impact on society, compared to 44% who view its impact negatively. Furthermore, just 15% expressed excitement about AI's advancement. This sentiment persists even among those who perceive AI as harmful, with about half of this group reporting weekly use of AI chatbots.

This pattern mirrors public attitudes toward other technologies, such as social media and sports betting, where individuals may appreciate convenience while harboring concerns about societal or personal consequences.

However, AI presents a unique challenge. The survey found that 58% of Americans do not trust AI company leaders to make decisions in society's best interests. This lack of trust extends to political parties, with nearly two-thirds of independent voters stating they do not trust either major party to handle AI responsibly.

The construction of AI-related infrastructure, such as data centers, is particularly contentious. More than half of respondents indicated opposition to building large data centers in their communities, citing concerns about electricity costs, water usage, and environmental impact. The potential economic benefits or America's international competitiveness ranked lower as motivating factors for these respondents.

This local opposition translates into political headwinds for candidates who support such development. Forty-two percent of voters said a candidate's strong support for building more data centers would make them less likely to vote for that candidate, while 27% said it would make them more likely. Among independents, this gap widens, with 49% less likely and 19% more likely to support such a candidate.

While AI may not be a primary concern for all voters in the upcoming midterms, their attitudes reveal a broader tension regarding technological progress. Voters are weighing who benefits from AI, who bears its costs, and who is accountable for negative outcomes. Promising innovation and economic growth alone may not address concerns about local impacts and corporate accountability, just as expressing apprehension about the technology does not offer a clear path to harnessing its potential benefits.

For AI companies and policymakers, the challenge lies not only in developing the technology but also in earning and deserving public trust as these systems increasingly shape employment, education, and the economy.