Megan Harper
YouGov’s 2024 Public Attitudes Towards AI in the US presents a comprehensive examination of how Americans perceive artificial intelligence across sectors such as healthcare, education, law enforcement, and the workplace. Based on over 5,000 survey responses, the study categorizes public opinion into three groups: AI Optimists, AI Abstainers, and the AI Ignorant.
Diverse Perceptions of AI
- AI Optimists: Actively engage with AI and see it as a societal benefit, especially in healthcare and education.
- AI Abstainers: Express skepticism, citing job loss and privacy as key concerns.
- AI Ignorant: Show limited awareness and irregular use of AI technologies.
Sector-Specific Insights
Healthcare
53% believe AI will improve healthcare, especially in scheduling and administrative support. However, trust decreases for more sensitive roles like diagnosis and prescriptions, where human oversight is preferred.
Education
AI is welcomed for grading and research assistance, but most Americans resist its use in teaching roles across all education levels.
Law and Order
Facial recognition and AI-assisted evidence analysis receive moderate support, while replacing juries with AI is rejected by 71% of respondents.
Workplace
62% are open to AI integration only if it augments rather than replaces human workers, signaling concerns about job security and automation.
Regulating AI
- 60% support continued AI development under strict regulatory oversight.
- Distrust in both government and tech companies suggests a need for independent regulatory bodies to set ethical AI standards.
Why This Report Matters
- Offers valuable insights for aligning AI policy and product design with public trust.
- Identifies sectors where ethical guidance and transparency are most needed.
- Supports responsible AI adoption strategies across industries.
“Public trust will define AI’s long-term role in society. Ignoring sentiment risks delaying adoption and inciting backlash.”— YouGov 2024 Report
See how Tahem Verma’s Mesha addresses user trust and transparency in financial AI systems.
Explore our interview with Shambhabi Raha of Fieldmobi on building inclusive AI tools for underserved communities.
For more information, visit: https://business.yougov.com/
