Anthropic has launched the Anthropic Public Record, a survey aimed at gauging public sentiment regarding artificial intelligence (AI). Conducted in late 2025 with nearly 52,000 participants, the survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans perceive AI's potential benefits and risks.
Key Findings:
- A majority of Americans express optimism about AI's benefits while also fearing its disruptive potential.
- Job displacement is the foremost concern, with 64% of respondents worried about losing their jobs to AI.
- Despite fears, there is a strong desire for government regulation of AI, with 71% supporting increased oversight.
The survey results indicate that, contrary to expectations, opinions on AI do not significantly vary across political, geographic, or educational lines. Instead, there is a general consensus on the need for accountability from AI developers.
Public Hopes for AI:
When asked to select their top hopes for AI from a list of 17 options, respondents prioritized:
- Curing diseases (48%)
- Assisting individuals with disabilities (36%)
- Improving mental health (lower ranked)
These findings suggest that while Americans are eager for AI to address critical societal issues, they also harbor significant concerns about its implications.
Concerns About AI:
The survey identified various fears associated with AI:
- Job loss (64%)
- Cognitive dependency (56%)
- Misinformation (52%)
Interestingly, concerns about cognitive dependency appear to be more anticipatory, as only about 20% of those worried would feel significant disruption if AI were to become unavailable.
Workplace AI Integration:
Respondents were asked about their preferences for AI involvement in workplace tasks. While many recognized AI's capabilities, a majority expressed a desire for minimal AI integration in their jobs. Notably, those who use AI daily at work are less concerned about job loss compared to non-users.
Trust in AI Companies:
Trust levels in AI companies are low, with only 15% of respondents expressing confidence in these entities to govern AI development responsibly. This contrasts sharply with the higher trust placed in independent experts (43%).
Government Regulation:
A bipartisan consensus exists on the need for government involvement in AI regulation, with significant support across various demographics. Respondents highlighted the importance of holding AI companies accountable and prioritizing safety over rapid growth.
The Anthropic Public Record serves as a foundational study to track evolving public attitudes toward AI. Future iterations of the survey will expand in scope and geographic reach, aiming to capture the shifting landscape of AI perceptions as technology advances.
