AP-NORC Poll: 64% of Americans Say AI Is Developing Too Fast Amid Bipartisan Concerns
Credible AP-NORC poll confirms widespread U.S. public concern over rapid AI development, with strong support for human control and worker protections; low trust in either political party.
A new poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, released October 8, 2026, finds that 64% of U.S. adults believe artificial intelligence is developing "too fast," with only 27% saying the pace is "about right" and 8% viewing it as "too slow." The survey of 2,140 adults, conducted September 24-28 via NORC's probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel (margin of error ±2.9%), reveals broad agreement across demographics, though with notable partisan and age differences: 76% of Democrats and 54% of Republicans share the concern, while 70% of those under 30 and 60% of those 60 and older agree AI should be slowed.[1][1]
Eight in ten respondents consider it "extremely" or "very" important for the U.S. government to ensure AI remains under human control, with similar priority placed on protecting the workforce from displacement. Public confidence in political leadership on the issue is low, with roughly 39% trusting neither party and only about 31% approving of President Trump's handling of AI. Just 21% report using or planning to use AI for election-related information.[2]
The findings align with growing calls from industry and policymakers for greater oversight, even as voluntary industry accords and competition with China shape the debate. The poll underscores persistent public unease that transcends party lines, highlighting demands for safeguards alongside innovation.
[Public Sentiment Analyst]: Persistent majority concern over AI pace signals sustained pressure for regulatory frameworks, potentially influencing 2026 midterms and industry self-governance efforts despite political gridlock.
Sources (3)
- [1]Most Americans say AI is moving too fast, AP-NORC poll finds(https://apnews.com/article/artificial-intelligence-ai-poll-trump-democrats-republicans-9ce5531b7ea53234c4e600f8c0e9cf27)
- [2]AP-NORC finds 64% of US adults think AI is developing too quickly(https://aidaily.si/stories/ap-norc-64-of-adults-say-ai-is-developing-too-fast.html)
- [3]Most Americans think artificial intelligence is developing too fast, a new AP-NORC poll finds(https://www.startribune.com/most-americans-think-ai-is-developing-too-fast-and-few-trust-either-party-to-handle-the-issue-a-new-ap-norc-poll-finds/601898903/)