Public concern about artificial intelligence (AI) is reportedly growing, with a recent Pew Research study indicating that 52% of Americans are "more concerned than excited" about the increased use of AI in daily life. This figure marks an increase from 37% in 2021. Furthermore, a May Economist/YouGov poll found that over 70% of Americans believe AI is advancing too quickly.
This rising unease is beginning to affect tech companies, which are reportedly facing a public relations crisis over their plans to build AI data centres across the U.S. In response, these companies have agreed to offer incentives such as job guarantees and investments in clean water to local communities.
Industry leaders are acknowledging the shift in public sentiment. Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky stated that the AI backlash is real and linked to the industry not producing products that "regular people" like. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei described negative public perception of AI as a "big problem" and a "crisis of trust," suggesting companies need to deliver on AI's promises.