Public Perception Shifts: More Voters Believe AI Will Harm the Economy

A recent survey conducted by Data for Progress indicates a notable shift in American voters' perceptions regarding the economic impact of artificial intelligence. The findings reveal a growing apprehension, with a plurality of voters now believing that AI will negatively affect the U.S. economy. Specifically, 46% of respondents anticipate AI will harm the economy, a significant increase from 37% in December 2025. Conversely, the percentage of voters who believe AI will benefit the economy has decreased from 36% to 28% over the same period. This shift is particularly pronounced among Democrats, where the belief that AI will hurt the economy has risen from 34% to 53%.

Demographic analysis shows that women (53%), Democrats (53%), individuals aged 45 and older (51%), and those without a college education (51%) are more likely to hold negative views on AI's economic impact compared to their counterparts. A substantial majority of voters, 54%, expect AI to increase unemployment rates, while only 11% foresee an improvement in employment. Despite these broader concerns about the job market, most employed voters (63%) express only "a little" or "no concern at all" about their own jobs being displaced by AI, though a partisan gap exists, with 49% of Democrats expressing concern compared to 27% of Republicans.

The survey also highlights concerns about wealth distribution, with 65% of voters agreeing that AI will increase the wealth of billionaires, while 57% disagree that it will benefit "everyday people." However, voters also acknowledge potential positive societal impacts, with 63% agreeing that AI could make work faster and easier, and 61% believing it will lead to medical and scientific breakthroughs. Despite these perceived benefits, a majority (57%) disagree that AI capabilities are overblown, indicating a general acceptance of AI's transformative power. These findings collectively suggest a public increasingly wary of AI's economic consequences, particularly concerning job security and equitable wealth distribution, which could have significant implications for future policy and public discourse surrounding AI development and deployment.