Americans express skepticism toward AI and data center expansion

A recent ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll indicates that a majority of Americans, 57%, believe artificial intelligence is bad for society. Public sentiment is particularly negative among younger demographics, with 65% of Americans under 30 viewing AI as detrimental.

There is significant opposition to the physical infrastructure supporting AI. Approximately two-thirds of respondents oppose the construction of new data centers in the United States, with even higher levels of opposition when such facilities are proposed for their own communities. Some voters indicated they would prefer a nuclear power plant over an AI data center in their local area.

Political perceptions regarding the industry also vary. According to a Politico poll, 47% of Americans believe Republicans favor providing tax breaks to the tech industry, compared to 21% who believe Democrats hold that position. While many Americans view AI as personally beneficial, the intensity of negative sentiment remains higher than positive views.