Last year the Pew Research Center conducted their 2024 Artificial Intelligence Survey. For this effort they surveyed AI experts to help inform leaders, decision-makers and the general public about the promises and challenges of AI. They just announced that the report with the survey’s findings was recently published. The results are quite interesting. A link to the report is here.
The report, “How the U.S. Public and AI Experts View Artificial Intelligence”, finds that the “public” and “experts” are far apart in their enthusiasm and predictions for AI. But they share similar views in wanting more personal control and worrying regulation will fall short. With artificial intelligence no longer the stuff of science fiction, its benefits and risks are being debated by everyone from casual observers to scholars. This report examines the views of two key groups: the American public and experts in the field of AI.
The survey discussed in the report reveals both deep divides and common ground on AI. AI experts are far more positive than the public about AI’s potential, including on jobs. Yet both groups want more personal control of AI and worry about lax government oversight. Still, opinions among experts vary, with men more optimistic about AI than women.
The study found that 90% of Americans have heard about AI, but only 30% can correctly identify its applications. This suggests a gap in understanding that may contribute to public concern. Furthermore, 53% of Americans believe AI does more harm than good in protecting personal privacy. (Pew Research Center, WIRED, America’s New Majority Project)
In the workplace, only 17% of U.S. workers report using AI tools, and 62% anticipate minimal or no impact on their jobs. This contrasts with the 90% of AI experts who predict significant job transformations due to AI.
These findings underscore the need for enhanced public education on AI and the development of policies that address both public concerns and expert insights.
For more on what the survey found – the link to the full report is here.