A recent survey conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and USAFacts reveals that a majority of Americans are hesitant to trust artificial intelligence tools for accurate information, particularly when it comes to high-stakes events like elections.
The survey found that about two-thirds of U.S. adults lack confidence in AI, chatbots, and search results to provide reliable and factual information. Despite the increasing use of AI-powered chatbots and search engines in personal and professional settings, skepticism remains prevalent among Americans.
Concerns about the accuracy of AI tools were highlighted by instances where AI chatbots struggled to provide accurate information, such as directing users to incorrect polling places. Additionally, there have been cases of AI chatbots spreading misinformation about elections, prompting platforms to take corrective actions.
The survey also indicated a divide among Americans regarding the impact of AI on finding accurate information about the 2024 election. While some believe AI will make it more challenging to access factual information, others are unsure about its influence.
One college student mentioned his skepticism about using AI chatbots for election information, citing the potential to manipulate these tools to provide desired answers. He emphasized relying on mainstream news outlets for reliable information and expressed concerns about AI-generated deepfakes and bot accounts influencing voter opinions.
Despite advancements in AI technology, only a small percentage of Americans trust AI chatbots and search engines to consistently provide factual information. Instances of AI deepfakes and fake images being used to influence voter opinions have raised concerns about the spread of misinformation during election cycles.
Individuals like a 71-year-old Democrat from California prefer obtaining election information from official government sources and candidate ads to make informed decisions. The survey, conducted among 1,019 adults, highlights the ongoing skepticism and concerns surrounding the use of AI for accessing accurate information.
