The latest survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center reveals a sharp disconnect between abstract attitudes toward AI and the tangible impact of its growth. As protests mount across several states and officials in New York and Texas pause new permits, the data suggests that discomfort with industry expansion is deepening. Notably, this opposition transcends political affiliation, drawing majority disapproval from 69% of Democrats, 54% of Republicans, and 53% of independents.
Public opposition to local data center construction surges
Sixty-one percent of American adults now oppose the construction of data centers in their own communities, a 12-point jump since this past spring. While public sentiment toward artificial intelligence remains largely stable, the physical presence of massive server infrastructure has become a focal point of widespread local resistance.
Demographic trends highlight a generational shift, with younger adults under 30 expressing the highest levels of skepticism at 70%. Despite this, broader national perceptions of AI remain unchanged. Approximately 39% of citizens anticipate a negative impact from AI over the next decade, while 68% continue to push for stricter government regulation. Matt Levendusky, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, noted that even consistent AI users—who generally view the technology’s potential for the country with optimism—draw a hard line when faced with the prospect of nearby construction, privacy risks, and potential job displacement. Only in the realm of medical research do Americans see a clear net-positive benefit from the technology.
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