AI News Monitor

In a new report from the Pew Research Center, significant gaps have emerged between how U.S. adults and AI experts view the impact and future of artificial intelligence. While experts express optimism about AI’s potential, the public remains largely cautious and concerned.

According to surveys conducted in late 2024, 56% of AI experts believe AI will have a positive impact on the U.S. over the next 20 years—compared to just 17% of the general public. Likewise, 47% of experts say they’re more excited than concerned about AI in daily life, a sentiment shared by only 11% of Americans.

Despite the divide, both groups agree on a desire for more personal control over AI and share concerns that government regulation will fall short. Over half of both experts and the public say they are more worried about under-regulation than excessive oversight.

Job loss remains a major worry, particularly among the public—64% believe AI will eliminate jobs, compared to 39% of experts. Still, both groups agree that certain roles, like cashiers and factory workers, are especially vulnerable.

Concerns also extend to bias and representation. Both experts and the public say AI design tends to reflect the views of men and white adults more than those of women or minorities. Many experts highlight the underrepresentation of women and people of color in AI development.

While AI experts across all sectors express limited confidence in government regulation, university-based experts are especially skeptical of corporate responsibility. Sixty percent of them say they lack confidence in companies to develop AI responsibly, compared to 39% of experts in private industry.

The findings underscore both optimism and unease surrounding AI’s rapid advancement—and point to a shared call for more thoughtful development and oversight.