A CBS News/YouGov poll conducted between September 16-18, 2026, found that a majority of Americans favor slowing down the development of artificial intelligence (AI) rather than stopping it entirely. While respondents expressed concern about potential harm and job displacement, they also cited a need for the U.S. to remain competitive against China and optimism regarding scientific breakthroughs.
The survey revealed that public concern regarding AI includes worries that AI models could act independently to harm people, and even more believe that the technology will be used by individuals to harm others. A majority of participants believe the U.S. must continue development to stay competitive globally, particularly in relation to China, and see potential for advancements in medical treatments.
According to the poll, most Americans do not believe AI companies will manage the technology responsibly on their own. This has led to a call for government restrictions, with more respondents favoring a government role in restricting development rather than promoting it. Individuals who believe AI will lead to job losses are more likely to hold negative views on other aspects of the technology.
This data affects U.S. workers who face potential changes in employment. While more workers believe AI will make their specific jobs easier to perform, the survey indicates a fear that the technology will reduce the total number of jobs available. The poll does not specify a timeline for when these job losses might occur.
The findings indicate that the public expects a joint effort between the government and the private sector to manage AI risks. With a nationally representative sample of 2,051 adults, the poll found that opinions did not vary significantly based on age or political party affiliation. The margin of error is +/- 2.5 percentage points.
A majority of respondents view AI as creating more problems than it solves while still wanting to outpace international competitors. As of September 18, 2026, no specific federal deadlines for new AI restrictions were reported, though the poll notes that organizations like OpenAI have expressed support for measures requiring independent audits of AI models.