The frontier of technology, including large language models, quantum computing, and virtual worlds, has traditionally been a less partisan area compared to policy issues such as health care or climate change. However,
recent polling by the AI Policy Institute indicates emerging partisan and demographic divides in public opinion about artificial intelligence, particularly with the upcoming election in an AI-influenced media landscape. As propaganda and “misinformation” spread, the prospect of AI content affecting our decisions seems to weigh heavily on people’s minds.
The AIPI, a new nonprofit focusing on potential risks from AI technology, surveyed over 1,000 voters. Key findings include:
- 76% of voters favor candidates who advocate for AI regulation.
- 55% prefer a bipartisan approach to AI regulation.
- 61% support the Senate's current AI legislation proposals.
However, a deeper analysis reveals familiar American political dynamics: a preference for bipartisan solutions but significant disagreement on specifics. How governments regulate this burgeoning industry will be an important political issue as the adoption of AI accelerates.
Key insights from the poll:
- Political concern over AI correlates with education level. 58% of college-educated voters consider a politician's stance on AI important in the 2024 election, compared to 57% of non-college graduates who do not.
- Both groups largely agree on the need for more government regulation of AI but differ on specifics like liability for AI-driven consumer fraud.
- Education level appears to be a proxy for partisanship, suggesting Democrats are more likely to support AI regulation.
Demographically, Democrats and younger voters exhibit techno-optimism:
- 60% of 18- to 44-year-olds and 66% of Democrats believe AI advancements will benefit them personally.
- Younger voters show less enthusiasm for strict AI regulation.
The partisan divide, though subtle, exists:
- Republicans, generally favoring less regulation, are more skeptical about AI's societal impact.
- Democrats are more optimistic about AI's effects on various social classes but favor more regulation.
Regarding political figures, voters' trust in President Joe Biden or former President Donald Trump on AI issues aligns with their party affiliations, with a significant portion of independents undecided. AI may not immediately transform into a contentious issue at the heart of cultural and political battles. However, should it develop a more decisive partisan significance, as indicated by the AIPI's polling, the struggle over who wields AI supremacy could heat up. These are incredibly powerful informational weapons being unleashed on humanity. The fearmongering crowd tries to scare voters with science-fiction stories of rogue intelligence run amok or mass loss of jobs. Unfortunately, the loss of jobs is likely inevitable. However, their solution is to use regulatory capture to control artificial intelligence. If we’re serious about resisting the regime, it’s essential to have the right to bear our own information weapons.
