Artificial intelligence is becoming one of the leading concerns among Americans, with growing fears that the technology could affect not only employment but also politics, the economy and society.
The findings come from Chapman University’s annual Survey of American Fears, which for the first time included specific questions about the potential risks of artificial intelligence. Two AI-related concerns ranked among the study’s top 10 fears.
The possibility that artificial intelligence could harm the political process ranked third overall, with 51.9% of respondents saying they were afraid or very afraid of such an outcome.
Concerns about AI’s potentially negative impact on the economy ranked seventh, with 49.7% expressing fear.
Researchers noted that public anxiety extends beyond automation and the possible loss of jobs, encompassing broader questions about how the technology could affect institutions and society.
Regular AI users report lower levels of concern
The survey also identified a difference between people who regularly use artificial intelligence tools and those who never use them.
Around 46% of respondents who use AI tools at least once a week said they feared the technology’s impact on politics. Among those who never use such tools, the figure rose to 55%.
Researchers cautioned that the difference indicates an association between AI use and levels of concern, but does not establish that familiarity with the technology necessarily reduces fear.
Government corruption remains Americans’ biggest fear
Despite growing concerns about artificial intelligence, corruption among government officials remains the leading fear among Americans, cited by 61.1% of respondents.
The possibility of the United States becoming involved in another world war ranked second, with 58% expressing concern. The figure represents an increase compared with the 2025 survey.
Other major concerns included the possibility of a loved one developing a serious illness, reported by 51.8% of respondents, and losing someone close to them, cited by 50.6%.
The study was conducted between April 7 and April 21, 2026, and involved 1,221 American adults interviewed online.
The survey was carried out by NORC at the University of Chicago and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.79 percentage points.
