Most Americans Say AI Is Bad for Society, Oppose More Data Centers

An ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll of 2,545 U.S. adults conducted October 9-13, 2026 finds 57% say AI is bad for society and 42% say it is good. About two-thirds oppose new data centers nationally, rising to 72% for a data center in their own community. Two-thirds say the federal government is not doing enough to regulate AI, and two-thirds disapprove of Trump's handling of AI.

Key takeaways

• 57% of Americans say AI is bad for society, while 42% say it is good for society.
• 66% oppose new U.S. data centers; 72% oppose one in their own community.
• 73% see a high risk of AI hacking secure computer systems; 33% see high risk of human extinction.
• Two-thirds say the federal government is not doing enough to regulate AI.

Why it matters

The poll documents broad public skepticism toward AI and data center construction ahead of midterm elections, a signal relevant to policymakers, companies, and communities weighing AI infrastructure and regulation.

Read with care

Results are from a single poll with margins of error of +/-2 points overall and +/-2.8 points for half-sample questions; source claims not independently checked.