The latest report from Stanford University sheds light on the increasing divergence between the opinions of AI experts and the general public regarding the implications of artificial intelligence. Released on a Monday, this annual report highlights a growing trend of anxiety surrounding AI technology, particularly in the U.S., where concerns about its effects on jobs, healthcare, and the economy are prominently discussed.
In recent months, there has been an observable shift in public sentiment towards AI, with a Gallup poll indicating that Generation Z is leading this trend. The poll found that young individuals are becoming more frustrated and less optimistic about AI, despite approximately half of them utilizing AI tools on a daily or weekly basis.
Many in the tech industry have been taken aback by this backlash against AI. Industry leaders have concentrated on the potential risks associated with Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), a hypothetical form of AI that could rival human intelligence. However, the everyday concerns of the general public lean towards immediate issues, such as job security and rising utility costs due to the energy demands of data centers.
David Zhou, a tech commentator, expressed confusion over the industry's surprise at the ongoing anti-AI narratives, suggesting that the fears of a dystopian future are not the primary drivers of public sentiment. Instead, he notes that most people are more concerned about their financial stability and utility expenses. Similarly, Dr. Caroline Orr Bueno remarked that AI leaders seem disconnected from the realities faced by everyday individuals, as most people are primarily worried about their livelihoods rather than abstract notions of AI threats.
This divide in perception was starkly highlighted following the recent incident involving OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, whose home was targeted. Posts on social media platforms indicated that some individuals expressed support for the attack, drawing parallels to prior public reactions to corporate leaders facing backlash, such as the 2024 shooting of the United Healthcare CEO and protests surrounding workers' rights.
Stanford's report delves deeper into the underlying factors contributing to negative public sentiment towards AI. For instance, data from a Pew Research study indicates that only 10% of Americans feel more excited than concerned about AI's growing presence in daily life. In stark contrast, 56% of AI experts believe that AI will positively impact the U.S. over the next two decades.
The disparity extends to specific areas where AI is poised to influence society. While 84% of experts anticipate a largely beneficial impact of AI on medical care, only 44% of the general public shares this optimism. Furthermore, 73% of experts view AI as a positive force for job performance, compared to just 23% of the public. The economic outlook is similarly polarized, with 69% of experts expecting a favorable impact from AI, whereas only 21% of the public agrees.
Moreover, a Pew Research survey highlighted that a significant portion of Americans—64%—believe that AI will result in fewer job opportunities over the next two decades, a sentiment not shared by the majority of AI experts. The report also underscores a critical issue regarding trust in government regulation of AI, revealing that only 31% of Americans believe their government will effectively regulate the technology, the lowest figure compared to other nations. In contrast, Singapore achieved the highest trust level at 81%.
Concerns regarding federal regulation are prevalent, with 41% of respondents nationwide expressing skepticism that federal AI regulations will be sufficient, while only 27% believe they may be excessive.
Despite these apprehensions, there is a slight upward trend in the perception of AI's benefits. Globally, the proportion of individuals viewing AI products and services as more beneficial than harmful rose from 55% in 2024 to 59% in 2025. However, the number of respondents feeling anxious about AI also increased from 50% to 52% during the same period, according to the report.
This Stanford report serves as a critical reminder of the widening gap between the perspectives of AI insiders and the general public, urging a deeper understanding of the societal implications of this rapidly evolving technology.
Source: TechCrunch News