Poll: 73% of Americans fear AI could threaten human survival, 86% back independent safety standards
pstAsiatech · x · 2026-10-01
A Quinnipiac University national poll released Sept 30 finds:
- 73% of Americans are concerned future AI systems could threaten human survival (38% very, 35% somewhat); only 25% are not concerned.
- 53% think AI will do more harm than good in daily life, vs 34% who see net benefit — roughly unchanged since March 2026.
- On harms: 52% are more worried about humans misusing AI, while 33% worry more about autonomous AI agents.
- 86% support independent safety standards for AI companies.
The poll follows recent warnings about rogue AI agents and the US-China AI race debate.
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