Anxiety about implications of AI is rapidly in the US

TechnologyOpinion
14 Apr 2026 • 6:49 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Anxiety about implications of AI is rapidly in the US

  • A new report from Stanford University indicates growing public anxiety about artificial intelligence, with over half of respondents feeling nervous about AI products.
  • The 2026 AI Index Report highlights a decline in public excitement for AI over recent years, noting a divergence from expert opinions.
  • Public concerns are primarily focused on AI's potential impact on jobs, the economy, elections, and relationships, rather than fears of theoretical superintelligence.
  • The report also found that AI safety measures are not keeping pace with technological advancements, with documented incidents tripling since ChatGPT's launch in 2022.
  • This increasing negative sentiment has led to escalating direct action against AI developers, including recent alleged attacks on OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's home.

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