64% of Americans Say AI Is Developing Too Fast — What the New Poll Actually Found

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is colliding with a public mood that is much more cautious than the technology industry’s pace.

A national AP-NORC poll released October 8, 2026 found that 64% of U.S. adults believe AI technology in the United States is developing too quickly. Only 8% said it is developing too slowly, while roughly a quarter said the pace is about right.

The concern crosses party lines

The survey found majorities in both major parties saying AI is moving too fast: 76% of Democrats and 54% of Republicans. The size of the concern differs, but the basic worry is not confined to one political group.

What do Americans want government to prioritize?

Around eight in ten respondents said keeping AI under human control and protecting U.S. workers should be extremely or very important priorities in the government’s approach to artificial intelligence.

That is important because the public debate is often framed as innovation versus regulation. The poll suggests many people do not see human control or worker protection as secondary issues; they see them as central conditions for AI development.

Jobs are a major part of the anxiety

Generative AI is increasingly used for writing, coding, customer service, data analysis and office automation. Even when a tool does not replace an entire occupation, it can change hiring, staffing and the amount of work expected from each employee.

The survey does not prove that AI will cause a particular level of job loss. It measures what people want policymakers to prioritize and how they feel about the current pace of development.

Most people want humans to remain in control

The phrase ‘human control’ covers several concerns: whether AI agents can take actions without approval, whether companies can reliably stop autonomous systems, and whether consequential decisions remain reviewable by people.

Recent debates about AI agents, automated decision-making and model safety have made this issue more concrete. People are no longer thinking only about chatbots that answer questions; they are increasingly encountering systems that can use software tools and perform multi-step tasks.

Americans do not have much confidence in political leadership on AI

The AP-NORC results show limited confidence in both major political parties. Thirty-nine percent said neither party could be trusted to do a good job handling AI, while smaller shares favored either Democrats or Republicans.

AI is not yet a major election-information tool for most adults

Despite the attention around generative AI, only 21% said they had used or planned to use AI to learn about a candidate or an issue on the ballot. Even fewer planned to use it for practical voting information or deciding whom to support.

How was the poll conducted?

AP-NORC surveyed 2,140 adults nationwide from September 24 to 28, 2026 using NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel. Interviews were conducted online and by telephone. The overall margin of sampling error was plus or minus 2.9 percentage points.

Why methodology matters

Poll numbers are estimates, not exact measurements of every American. Sample design, question wording and timing can influence results. In this case, AP-NORC publishes methodology and topline data, which makes it possible to evaluate the survey rather than relying on a viral screenshot.

What the poll does not tell us

• It does not predict exactly how fast AI capabilities will improve.
• It does not prove how many jobs AI will create or eliminate.
• It does not show that all respondents agree on the same regulation.
• It does not mean 64% want AI research stopped.
• It does show that concern about the pace of AI development is widespread.

Frequently asked questions

Did 64% say AI should be banned?

No. The finding is that 64% believe AI technology in the U.S. is developing too quickly. That is different from supporting a ban.

Is the concern partisan?

There is a partisan gap, but majorities of both Democrats and Republicans in the poll said AI is developing too quickly.

How many people were surveyed?

The survey included 2,140 U.S. adults and has an overall margin of sampling error of ±2.9 percentage points.

Sources

• AP-NORC — Most adults think AI is developing too fast
• Associated Press — Most Americans think AI is developing too fast