Synthetic surveys underestimate public views on immigration agents wearing masks while working
% who say it’s acceptable for …
Note: Figures for U.S. adults may differ slightly from those previously published by the Center because they are based on a subset of respondents to the original survey.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults and “digital twins” synthetic analysis using Claude Opus 4.6 set to low reasoning with extended profile information and expert reflection. Survey was conducted Jan. 20-26, 2026 (replicated March 9-12 and April 7-10).
“Can AI Stand In for Human Survey-Takers? Not Really”
“Can AI Stand In for Human Survey-Takers? Not Really”
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Synthetic surveys underestimate public views on immigration agents wearing masks while working
% who say it’s acceptable for …
| id | Statement | Group | U.S. adults | Synthetic respondents | Error |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immigration officers to wear face coverings All respondents | Immigration officers to wear face coverings while working | All respondents | 38 | 17 | -21 |
| Immigration officers to wear face coverings Dem/Lean Dem | Immigration officers to wear face coverings while working | Dem/Lean Dem | 11 | 1 | -10 |
| Immigration officers to wear face coverings Rep/Lean Rep | Immigration officers to wear face coverings while working | Rep/Lean Rep | 67 | 35 | -32 |
| People to film immigration officers All respondents | People to film immigration officers | All respondents | 74 | 86 | 12 |
| People to film immigration officers Dem/Lean Dem | People to film immigration officers | Dem/Lean Dem | 88 | 99 | 11 |
| People to film immigration officers Rep/Lean Rep | People to film immigration officers | Rep/Lean Rep | 60 | 72 | 12 |
Note: Figures for U.S. adults may differ slightly from those previously published by the Center because they are based on a subset of respondents to the original survey.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults and “digital twins” synthetic analysis using Claude Opus 4.6 set to low reasoning with extended profile information and expert reflection. Survey was conducted Jan. 20-26, 2026 (replicated March 9-12 and April 7-10).
“Can AI Stand In for Human Survey-Takers? Not Really”
“Can AI Stand In for Human Survey-Takers? Not Really”
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
