Americans doubt – A new CBS News/YouGov survey finds majorities across age groups, education levels, and political affiliations doubt U.S. government policy will ensure AI is used appropriately. Many also expect AI will reduce jobs.
For most Americans, the worry isn’t just whether AI will change their lives. It’s who—if anyone—will make sure the technology is used responsibly.
A CBS News/YouGov survey finds that two-thirds of U.S. adults think U.S. government policy will certainly or probably not ensure AI is used in appropriate ways. The skepticism cuts across nearly every demographic slice: majorities across age groups and education levels share the view. and Democrats and independents line up with Republicans who are not unified.
The survey also shows how job fears are tangled with that mistrust. Those who say government policy won’t make sure AI is used appropriately are especially likely to believe AI will cost the U.S. jobs.
Asked why they think AI companies and developers are encouraging AI use. most Americans point to motives that sound like power shifts and workforce replacement. Big majorities say these companies are giving themselves more power and replacing human workers with AI. Smaller. but still sizable. majorities also see making scientific and medical advancements and simplifying tasks for people as reasons to encourage its use.
The job anxiety remains widespread on its own. As it has been over the past year. a majority of Americans continue to think AI will take away U.S. jobs. Most younger and older Americans expect job reductions due to AI. though younger people are relatively less likely to foresee that outcome. The survey suggests familiarity may be part of the difference: previous CBS News polling has shown younger people report using AI themselves and understanding it in higher numbers than older people.
Taken together, the results paint a clear picture of public unease. People may be willing to acknowledge potential benefits like scientific and medical progress. but they’re not persuaded that government policy will keep AI aligned with the public interest—especially when they already expect job losses.
The survey was conducted with a nationally representative sample of 2,064 U.S. adults interviewed between May 13 and May 15, 2026. The sample was weighted to be representative of adults nationwide based on gender. age. race. and education. using the U.S. Census American Community Survey and Current Population Survey, as well as 2024 presidential vote. The margin of error is ±2.7 points.
AI policy CBS News poll YouGov U.S. adults job fears government oversight AI governance technology trust