As artificial intelligence (AI) companies race toward IPOs and scramble to construct data centers, a new Fox News Poll finds voters now view Big Tech — not Big Government — as the greater threat to the nation's future, a striking turnaround from seven years ago.By a 5 percentage-point margin, more see Big Tech as the greater threat to the outlook of the country rather than big government (52% vs.47%). That’s a 28-point reversal since 2019 — three years before ChatGPT burst onto the scene — when more were concerned about the government (58%) than tech companies (35%).FOX NEWS POLL: VOTERS DOUBT NEW AGREEMENT WILL STOP IRAN FROM DEVELOPING NUKESThe swing toward a greater dread of Big Tech can be seen across most groups, with only a few exceptions, like very conservative voters (by 11 points) and moms (+8), who view big government as the bigger villain. Republicans and independents are split on which is worse."As AI integrates into daily life, voters are reevaluating where power resides," says Democratic pollster Chris Anderson, whose firm Beacon Research conducts the poll with Republican Daron Shaw.
"Concerns about government overreach are shifting toward tech companies, as voters question whether rapid growth has concentrated too much power in institutions largely outside of public accountability."Feelings on AI remain a mixed bag.Equal numbers describe it as either innovative or helpful or a bad idea (14% each). Another 12% are cautious, 10% say afraid or dangerous, 9% have mixed feelings, while excitement and curiosity/interested sit at 7% each. Fewer mention threats to jobs (5%), general confusion (4%), potential for abuse (3%), more research and privacy and regulation issues (2% each), fears of science fiction (1%), and preventing data centers (1%).FOX NEWS POLL: MOST RATE THE ECONOMY NEGATIVELY, INCLUDING HALF OF REPUBLICANSThe share saying they’re afraid of AI, or it is dangerous has dropped from 16% in 2023 to 10% today, as most demographics ...