While still forming their views on these technologies, they say they are more concerned about potential risks than excited by the opportunity.
In just a few years, artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies have permeated almost every aspect of American life. However, a new study conducted by the Chicago Global Affairs and Ipsos Council (fielded June 27-29, 2025) shows that Americans are not yet embracing this digital revolution. The majority are concerned about data privacy and misinformation, and several prefer greater regulations on these technologies at all levels. These findings suggest that efforts to create some form of governance around these technologies may reduce public anxiety about perceived risks.
Important findings
- Two-thirds of Americans (64%) are at least somewhat familiar with artificial intelligence, while only two in ten (21%) have somewhat refined into quantum computing.
- Most respondents said they were not given sufficient notice to express their opinions on many questions (up to 43%), particularly given their limited understanding of quantum computing.
- At the start of the survey, more Americans say they are more concerned about the risks (51%) than they are excited by the opportunities (29%) of these advanced technologies.
- Americans are most concerned about misinformation generated by AI (62%), potential erosion of personal data (58%), and decrypting critical data infrastructure by malignant actors (51%).
- Several Americans believe these technologies are not well regulated (44%; only 11%, 7% too many).
- Those familiar with AI and quantum computing are generally more positive than others for most applications of these new technologies.
Most Americans are familiar with AI applications, but not quantum
In recent years, AI technology has been seen dramatically and widespread adoption in the US. Americans are increasingly using AI-enabled products in their daily lives, from Alexa and ChatGpt to navigation apps and algorithmic social media feeds. But it's not just an assistant, it's AI too. Transformation industry So do many others, including education, healthcare, manufacturing. The applications of AI systems seem to be endless.
A recent Chicago Council IPSOS poll shows that two-thirds of Americans are at least somewhat familiar with AI and its applications (64% and 36% are not familiar). However, the majority are unfamiliar with other advanced technologies such as quantum computing (79% or very unfamiliar), semiconductor chips (65%) and cryptocurrency (56%).
With the exception of quantum computing, where few adult Americans are among the age, millennials and generation Z express their higher technical knowledge than older Americans. Highly educated Americans are more likely to be familiar with these advanced technologies, including quantum computing, than diplomas below the high school diploma (see Appendix Table 2).
Concerns outweigh the excitement of AI and quantum adoption
For everyday Americans, the perceived risks of advanced technology surround the perceived possibilities. A quarter said they are “mostly concerned about risks, but somewhat excited about the possibility” (26%), while in a similar section they say the risk is completely concerned (25%). The cumulative concern is a total of 51%.
Meanwhile, three-tenths in total are either “almost excited about the possibility, but a little worried about the risk” (22%) or simply excited about the possibility (7% – 29%). An additional 19% say they don't have enough knowledge to say.
Those familiar with both AI and quantum computing may feel the potential of these innovations. However, even those familiar with quantum computing are at best divided on whether employing these technologies presents more possibilities than risk (see Appendix Table 3).
Furthermore, a narrow number of Americans expect AI and quantum technology to have a positive effect on their lives at least to some extent (28%), but think that the quarter will be affected at least to some extent (24%). The effectiveness of these technologies is neither positive nor negative (22%), about 2 in 10 people said. Quarterly lacks sufficient knowledge to say (25%).
Americans expect healthcare and data security to benefit the most
can Performing complex tasks Typically, human intelligence such as language processing, pattern recognition, and decision-making is required, and AI systems are rapidly integrated across the industry to increase productivity, reduce costs and drive innovation. Despite concerns, Americans recognize the possibilities of advanced technologies such as AI and quantum computing, revolutionize the economy and provide benefits to society.
Half of the possibility that AI and quantum computing will diagnose diseases, recommend treatment plans (51%) and develop stronger data encryption methods to prevent cybersecurity threats (49%) are a very important advantage of adopting these technologies. Those familiar with AI and quantum technology are likely to say that all potential benefits are extremely important, but as with the overall population, they are most likely to prioritize advances in drugs and encryption (see Appendix Table 4).
Other potential benefits are considered important, but less than potential advances in drugs and encryption. These include global trade supply chain, traffic flow, logistics (37% very important), coding, debugging, and developing computer software using AI and quantum computing (31% very important), and analyzing financial data to optimize your investment strategy (27% very important).
Privacy misinformation and erosion are considered the biggest risk
Despite the many potential benefits of AI integration, many experts and industry leaders are Sounds an alarm on top of possible risks It is brought about by unregulated AI models, including national security threats and erosion of democratic norms.
Of the potential threats posed by the advanced technologies presented in this study, Americans say the spread of AI-generated misinformation (62%) and erosion of privacy and security of personal data (58%) are the most important, followed by re-insertions of critical data infrastructure, such as malicious actors and fraudulent nationals and terrorist organizations (51%).
As a result of adopting these technologies, potential unemployment (45%) and power concentration (41%) in high-tech companies are considered more surprising than other potential threats. Unemployment is less threatening than these other items, 2024 Pew Research Survey It shows that many Americans are concerned that over the next 20 years, there will be fewer jobs for cashiers (73%), factory workers (67%), journalists (59%) and even teachers (43%) as a result of technological advances.
Those familiar with quantum computing may be slightly higher than the average who are concerned about decoding critical data infrastructure (64%), but otherwise familiarity has little effect on assessment of the most important threats (see Appendix Table 5).
Public supports greater regulations on AI and quantum technology
The AI American leader has become a central focus of the second Trump administration and quickly Reduced federal barriers to AI development and Pledged billions of dollars in public and private investments With the AI infrastructure for US President Donald Trump to return to his elliptical office.
Americans are split on whether the federal government should maintain its current level (22%), an increase (19%), or whether (17%) investment in advanced technologies such as AI and quantum computing. Most (41%) say they don't know enough to say either way.
Perhaps at this point, the public understands more risks than rewards for the emergence of these new technologies, so even at the state and local levels, they want to see more government regulations.
Less than half of Americans say that advanced technologies such as AI and quantum computing are not sufficient (44%), but much less stocks are sufficient (11%) or too many (7%). Four in ten people don't have enough knowledge to say (37%). a 2025 YouGov Survey We hope that even higher proportions will be discovered and that AI regulations will be seen specifically and specifically (71%, 41%, and a little more 30%).
American citizens prefer technology experts and the federal government the most.
When considering who should be most responsible for regulating advanced technologies, more Americans say they should be a consortium of researchers and scholars who specialize in these technologies than the US federal government (21%). It is rare that high-tech companies (7%), international organizations (5%), or states (4%) and local governments (2%) should be responsible for this.
At the same time, several Americans are opposed to laws that prohibit state and local governments from passing their own laws to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) for the next decade (43%). This law gives the federal government the authority to regulate the use of AI technology for the next decade. 29% don't have enough knowledge to say.
Balancing, the US has split over whether profits outweigh risks
After assessing the set of potential opportunities and threats that AI and Quantum could pose, Americans seem even more unsure about these new technologies. The public is divided on whether the social and political risks associated with AI adoption and quantum computing adoption are worth the economic, technical and scientific benefits they provide (29%) (27%). However, multiple say they don't have enough knowledge to say (43%).
Conclusion
Despite the rapid integration of AI and other advanced technologies into everyday life, Americans are cautious and have yet to embrace the upcoming digital revolution. It appears to be more adapting to the potential risks these technologies pose than the rewards they may pose. Also, concerns about misinformation, data privacy and national security are the best. As investment in AI and quantum computing increases and the pace of innovation in these areas accelerates, experts and industry leaders can alleviate public concerns by developing a set of several regulatory mechanisms to mitigate the threat posed by these advanced technologies.
