Societal guardrails for AI? Perspectives on what we know about public opinion on artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) not only holds immense potential for improving quality of life but also creates complex ethical, legal, and societal challenges. AI has gained significant attention recently, particularly by introducing ChatGPT and other emerging applications. This paper offers a comprehensive overview of public opinion trends on AI, drawing from fifteen surveys conducted in the USA over the past 4 years. The findings reveal a divided American public regarding AI’s applications. Americans generally call for more regulation and government oversight, expressing a need for increased measures before fully embracing AI. While specific AI applications, such as skin cancer screening, have been welcomed, most Americans emphasize the importance of addressing societal concerns such as racial bias and inequities before the widespread implementation of AI. The evolving landscape of AI necessitates ongoing monitoring of public sentiment and the consideration of societal implications.