AI anxiety growing rapidly in US according to Stanford research
Original: Anxiety around AI is growing rapidly in the US, research shows
Why This Matters
Growing public resistance could impact AI adoption and regulatory approaches
Stanford University's 2026 AI Index Report shows over half of Americans feel nervous about AI products, with excitement declining while safety incidents have tripled since ChatGPT's 2022 launch. Gen Z excitement dropped from 36% to 22%.
Stanford University's 2026 AI Index Report reveals growing public anxiety about artificial intelligence, with more than half of surveyed Americans saying AI products make them nervous. Excitement about the technology has fallen over recent years, creating a disconnect between public opinion and expert views. The report found AI safety is not keeping pace with advances, noting incidents have more than tripled since ChatGPT launched in 2022. A Gallup poll showed Gen Z excitement about AI dropped from 36% to 22% since last year, while anger rose from 22% to 31%. Behavioral scientist Caroline Orr Bueno suggested AI leaders are 'out of touch' with normal people's concerns about jobs and economic impact rather than theoretical superintelligence fears. The backlash has led to direct action against AI companies, including alleged incidents targeting OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's home.