Americans' Support for AI Development -- Measured Daily with Open Data and Methods

TL;DR

This study analyzes daily survey data from American adults to track public support for AI development, revealing modest overall support that has increased over time, with variations across demographics and political groups.

Contribution

It introduces high-frequency, daily measurement of public sentiment towards AI using open data and methods, highlighting dynamic shifts and polarization trends.

Findings

Support for AI increased over the past year.

Women and low-trust individuals showed less support but grew more supportive over time.

Republicans' support increased faster than Democrats'.

Abstract

The rapid development of artificial intelligence should be accompanied by measurement of public sentiment at high temporal resolution. Accordingly, here I present analysis of daily repeated surveys beginning April 18, 2024 (total N=4067). The results indicate that in the population of American adults, support for further development of artificial intelligence was modestly positive and increased a statistically reliable amount over the past year. Female and low-trust respondents reported less support, however, both also displayed growing support over time. Republicans increased support at a faster rate than Democrats, pointing to potential polarization. These findings underscore the need for continuous, high-frequency surveys to accurately track shifts in public opinion on transformative technologies like AI.