AI at the Crossroads: Public Sentiment and Policy Solutions

Fathom’s latest report, AI at the Crossroads: Public Sentiment and Policy Solutions, explores American public opinion on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in society. It captures the broad concerns, hopes, and policy expectations of the public, offering critical insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and other stakeholders. The report draws on two national surveys, includes data from 30 focus groups and qualitative interviews, and features takeaways from 150 conversations with leaders across AI, the business community, and civic groups.

This comprehensive assessment of public and stakeholder attitudes toward AI reveals a clear, bipartisan consensus among Americans about their hopes, concerns, and expectations for AI. However, in critical ways, that consensus is not reflected by AI leaders in industry or government. The degree to which these perspectives can be aligned will likely determine whether AI’s integration into society is a unifying or divisive experience.