Source: Fox News
Summary
A Fox News Poll found that voters now view Big Tech as a greater threat to the nation’s future than Big Government. 52% of respondents see Big Tech as the greater threat, while 47% see Big Government as the greater threat. This is a 28-point reversal since 2019. The poll also found that feelings about AI are mixed, with equal numbers describing it as innovative or helpful and as a bad idea. The share of voters who are afraid of AI or think it is dangerous has dropped from 16% in 2023 to 10% today.
Our Reading
As expected, the matter has reached another stage.
Voters are reevaluating where power resides, and concerns about government overreach are shifting toward tech companies. The swing toward a greater dread of Big Tech can be seen across most groups. Feelings on AI remain a mixed bag, with equal numbers describing it as either innovative or helpful or a bad idea. The number saying they find AI to be innovative and helpful has doubled from 7% in 2023 to 14% today.
The increase in daily AI usage mainly comes from more men and independents saying they use AI daily. Despite their skepticism, voters 65 and over say they are using it more as well. Voters balk at building AI infrastructure in their backyard, with two-thirds opposing having data centers in their area.
Most groups oppose data centers, but the strength of opposition varies. The only groups to favor data centers being built are those who find AI innovative and those who use AI at least weekly.
Opposing AI data centers is a short-term win, but attitudes about AI efficacy and regulation remain fluid. A large majority remain confident they control technology, rather than tech controlling them.
The poll’s findings are a reflection of the ongoing debate about the role of technology in society, and the need for regulation and accountability in the tech industry.
Author: Evan Null
