Conversely, Republican concern has declined over the last year to 49%, marking a notable shift in the partisan divide over emerging technology.
This shift in public sentiment has direct implications for the labor market and national policy.
Three-quarters of Democrats now expect AI to result in fewer jobs over the next 20 years, compared to 68% of Republicans.
This widespread anxiety regarding job security and automation comes as AI becomes a central theme in midterm elections, with candidates debating the infrastructure of the industry, such as the development of data centers—large-scale facilities used to house computer systems and related components.
The increase in wariness is largely driven by voters at opposite ends of the political spectrum, with concern rising most sharply among liberal Democrats while falling among conservative Republicans.
As government officials consider new regulations for AI development, the survey highlights a growing public consensus of caution; overall, 52% of Americans are now more concerned than excited about the technology, while only 9% feel more excitement than concern.