Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an increasingly significant part of modern society, with its capabilities and potential impact continuing to grow. In a recent survey conducted by researchers at Stony Brook University, a shift in Americans’ attitudes towards AI has been revealed. The study compared data collected in 2021 and 2023 to examine changes in public opinion amid recent technological advancements. While the study confirms the increasing confidence in the capabilities of AI, it also highlights a divergence in views regarding the extension of human rights to advanced AI systems.
The survey, led by Jason Jones and Steven Skiena, involved nearly 500 American adults aged 18 and above. Participants were asked about their beliefs on the feasibility of creating an AI system that can perform any intellectual task a human can, whether such a system should be developed, and whether it should be granted the same rights as humans. The responses were collected using the Google Surveys platform, which provided random and representative samples.
Interestingly, the research uncovered a significant shift in public opinion between 2021 and 2023. While there was no substantial change in the preference for developing AI, participants in the 2023 sample expressed stronger belief in the achievability of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), which refers to a system capable of human-like intellectual tasks. However, participants in the same sample were more opposed to granting AGI the same rights as human beings. This finding suggests a growing skepticism or concern about the potential implications of granting AI systems the same rights as humans.
Jones and Skiena emphasize the need for further studies to gain a deeper understanding of public perceptions towards AI, given its increasing importance in society. The researchers aim to conduct another survey this spring, using a similar methodology to their previous study in 2023. This continuation of research will provide valuable insights into the evolving attitudes towards AI and its implications for human rights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What did the survey conducted by Stony Brook University researchers reveal?
A: The survey revealed a shift in Americans’ attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI), with increased confidence in the capabilities of AI and a growing opposition to extending human rights to advanced AI systems.
Q: How was the survey conducted?
A: The survey involved nearly 500 American adults aged 18 and above and used random, representative samples. Participants were asked about their beliefs on the achievability of creating AI systems capable of human-like intellectual tasks and whether such systems should be granted the same rights as humans.
Q: What were the key findings of the survey?
A: The survey found that, between 2021 and 2023, American adults became more optimistic about the feasibility of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), while simultaneously expressing stronger opposition to granting AGI the same rights as humans. However, the preference for developing AI systems remained relatively unchanged.
Q: Why is further research needed?
A: Researchers emphasize the importance of conducting additional studies to gain a better understanding of public perceptions towards AI. As AI continues to play a larger role in society, it is crucial to explore the implications and potential concerns associated with it.
Q: What are the future plans of the researchers?
A: The researchers plan to conduct another survey in the spring, following a similar methodology to their previous study, in order to build on their findings and provide more comprehensive insights into public attitudes towards AI and its relationship with human rights.
Sources:
– Stony Brook University
– Journal Seeds of Science
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What did the survey conducted by Stony Brook University researchers reveal?
A: The survey revealed a shift in Americans’ attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI), with increased confidence in the capabilities of AI and a growing opposition to extending human rights to advanced AI systems.
Q: How was the survey conducted?
A: The survey involved nearly 500 American adults aged 18 and above and used random, representative samples. Participants were asked about their beliefs on the achievability of creating AI systems capable of human-like intellectual tasks and whether such systems should be granted the same rights as humans.
Q: What were the key findings of the survey?
A: The survey found that, between 2021 and 2023, American adults became more optimistic about the feasibility of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), while simultaneously expressing stronger opposition to granting AGI the same rights as humans. However, the preference for developing AI systems remained relatively unchanged.
Q: Why is further research needed?
A: Researchers emphasize the importance of conducting additional studies to gain a better understanding of public perceptions towards AI. As AI continues to play a larger role in society, it is crucial to explore the implications and potential concerns associated with it.
Q: What are the future plans of the researchers?
A: The researchers plan to conduct another survey in the spring, following a similar methodology to their previous study, in order to build on their findings and provide more comprehensive insights into public attitudes towards AI and its relationship with human rights.
Sources:
– Stony Brook University
– Journal Seeds of Science