A new poll by Rethink Policies is shedding light and assessing the thoughts of the American public related to AI and the many risks that are associated with it.
This particular online survey is quite similar to that unleashed by YouGov and has also managed to draw plenty of inspiration from a series of recent AI polls hailing from places like Monmouth University. And below, we’re summarizing some key findings for you.
But before we begin, we need you to realize that it entailed some integral opinions such as how people felt about a possible break in the training of AI research and whether or not AI should be continually monitored by regulatory bodies.
Similarly, people were questioned about how stressed they felt about the negative points linked to AI technology and if the risk of extinction is coming forward in the next few decades.
Toward the end, they were asked how they felt about AI technology superseding the human mind and what other threats exist. Lastly, the huge amount of harm versus good arising from AI was also mentioned.
The study was linked to the answers provided by nearly 2440 American adults.
For starters, there was more support provided for the likes of a pause in the world of AI research as compared to the opposition seen. Around half of the population were keen on seeing this break and 25% were observed opposing it. Another 20% opted to stay neutral.
Next, people were asked about how they felt about regulatory bodies such as the FDA coming into play. Should the world of AI be monitored by firms, and the study estimated that 70% agreed that this was the best way to go about the situation while 21% felt there was no need. Meanwhile, 9% had no clue about this.
Coming down to the negative aspects of AI, there was not a lot of people worried about that. The study estimated that 72% of the American population had little to no worry regarding AI while 21% did express a little worry and 10% claimed to be extra worried.
Next came the question about people fearing the extinction of AI and that was quite low. Respondents were asked about how they felt regarding the next decade and any fears related to it getting extinct over the next few decades.
A lot of people were concerned about AI being smarter than the intelligence of humans. And the majority or 67% felt that would be the case to a moderate level while 40% felt it was more than likely to occur, while just 15% agreed that would not be the case at all.
Perceived threats linked to the world of AI are quite low and currently stand at the lowest level among the top four threats that respondents were questioned about. In fact, people were more worried about a nuclear war breaking out and a pandemic than the threat of AI.
Meanwhile, even though the risks are plenty, more and more people are anticipating the huge benefits in comparison to the harms linked to it. Experts predict 48% more positivity than harm while 31% predict more negative effects than any form of good. Lastly, 19% predict a very even playing field and 2% mentioned they had no opinion on the matter.
The importance of this study was linked to how such polls may assist in developing policies that help to put off the risks of the AI world. Such results are clear proof that there is a certain level of caution needed from the general population for clauses that work toward curbing the existing risks.
H/T: Effective Altruism
Read next: Public Concern Grows as AI's Impact on Jobs Comes Under Scrutiny
This particular online survey is quite similar to that unleashed by YouGov and has also managed to draw plenty of inspiration from a series of recent AI polls hailing from places like Monmouth University. And below, we’re summarizing some key findings for you.
But before we begin, we need you to realize that it entailed some integral opinions such as how people felt about a possible break in the training of AI research and whether or not AI should be continually monitored by regulatory bodies.
Similarly, people were questioned about how stressed they felt about the negative points linked to AI technology and if the risk of extinction is coming forward in the next few decades.
Toward the end, they were asked how they felt about AI technology superseding the human mind and what other threats exist. Lastly, the huge amount of harm versus good arising from AI was also mentioned.
The study was linked to the answers provided by nearly 2440 American adults.
For starters, there was more support provided for the likes of a pause in the world of AI research as compared to the opposition seen. Around half of the population were keen on seeing this break and 25% were observed opposing it. Another 20% opted to stay neutral.
Next, people were asked about how they felt about regulatory bodies such as the FDA coming into play. Should the world of AI be monitored by firms, and the study estimated that 70% agreed that this was the best way to go about the situation while 21% felt there was no need. Meanwhile, 9% had no clue about this.
Coming down to the negative aspects of AI, there was not a lot of people worried about that. The study estimated that 72% of the American population had little to no worry regarding AI while 21% did express a little worry and 10% claimed to be extra worried.
Next came the question about people fearing the extinction of AI and that was quite low. Respondents were asked about how they felt regarding the next decade and any fears related to it getting extinct over the next few decades.
A lot of people were concerned about AI being smarter than the intelligence of humans. And the majority or 67% felt that would be the case to a moderate level while 40% felt it was more than likely to occur, while just 15% agreed that would not be the case at all.
Perceived threats linked to the world of AI are quite low and currently stand at the lowest level among the top four threats that respondents were questioned about. In fact, people were more worried about a nuclear war breaking out and a pandemic than the threat of AI.
Meanwhile, even though the risks are plenty, more and more people are anticipating the huge benefits in comparison to the harms linked to it. Experts predict 48% more positivity than harm while 31% predict more negative effects than any form of good. Lastly, 19% predict a very even playing field and 2% mentioned they had no opinion on the matter.
The importance of this study was linked to how such polls may assist in developing policies that help to put off the risks of the AI world. Such results are clear proof that there is a certain level of caution needed from the general population for clauses that work toward curbing the existing risks.
Read next: Public Concern Grows as AI's Impact on Jobs Comes Under Scrutiny
