In a recent survey conducted by Axios-Morning Consult, more than half of Americans have expressed worries regarding the impact of AI-generated misinformation on the 2024 presidential election.
According to a report by The Hill on Monday, September 11, a significant 53 percent of respondents in the survey believe that the spread of misinformation through artificial intelligence (AI) could influence the outcomes of the upcoming election.
Political Divide in Concerns
The concerns raised by the survey cut across political lines, with viewers of major news networks like Fox, CNN, and MSNBC all sharing this sentiment. However, an interesting divide emerges when examining the data by political preference.
Respondents who supported former President Donald Trump in the 2020 election were found to be twice as likely to express apprehension about AI-induced misinformation affecting their trust in election results, in contrast to those who voted for President Joe Biden.
Among those who anticipate AI playing a role in the election, 47 percent had supported Trump in 2020, while 27 percent had cast their votes for Biden.
AI-Generated Election Advertising Concerns
The survey also investigated the impact of AI-powered advertising on voter trust, a growing concern that is already shaping the landscape of the 2024 election.
Approximately 35 percent of participants indicated that AI-powered advertising would diminish their trust in the electoral process. Within this group, 42 percent were Trump supporters, and 33 percent were Biden backers.
These findings highlight a growing skepticism about election integrity, particularly in the wake of the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.
Distrust Across Party Lines
It’s essential to note that distrust in AI spans across party affiliations, with no single presidential candidate earning “a lot” of trust from their respective parties concerning overseeing AI developments.
According to the poll, 35 percent of Democrats exhibit “a lot” of trust in President Biden’s ability to regulate AI, while among Republicans, 40 percent of Trump voters express “a lot” of confidence in his handling of this technology.
Perceptions of AI’s Intelligence
One in three adults expressed significant concerns regarding AI development. Interestingly, the survey revealed that 34 percent of respondents believe humans possess greater intelligence than AI, compared to 22 percent who believe the opposite.
The Future of AI Control
However, nearly two-thirds of participants anticipate a future point at which humans may lose control over AI. Within this group, 54 percent predict this shift will occur within the next five years, while 90 percent expect it to transpire within the next 25 years.
Survey Methodology
The poll was conducted from August 10 to 13, encompassing a sample of 2,203 U.S. adults and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.
Conclusion
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, these insights provide a valuable glimpse into the concerns and perceptions of the American electorate regarding the role of AI and misinformation in shaping the democratic process.
The widespread apprehension about the influence of AI underscores the pressing need for thoughtful regulation and transparent communication about the use of this technology in political contexts.
