AI and Human Enhancement: Americans’ Openness Is Tempered by a Range of Concerns
Public views are tied to how these technologies would be used and what constraints would be in place.
Emerging Technology
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Visions of the Internet in 2035
Asked to “imagine a better world online,” experts hope for a ubiquitous – even immersive – digital environment that promotes fact-based knowledge, offers better defense of individuals’ rights, empowers diverse voices and provides tools for technology breakthroughs and collaborations to solve the world’s wicked problems.
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The State of Gig Work in 2021
Some 16% of Americans have ever earned money from an online gig platform. While most gig platform workers say they have had a positive experience with these jobs, some report facing on-the-job troubles like being treated rudely or sexually harassed.
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16% of Americans say they have ever invested in, traded or used cryptocurrency
The vast majority of U.S. adults have heard at least a little about cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ether.
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Digital divide persists even as Americans with lower incomes make gains in tech adoption
The shares of Americans in each income tier who have home broadband or a smartphone have not significantly changed from 2019 to 2021.
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Experts Doubt Ethical AI Design Will Be Broadly Adopted as the Norm Within the Next Decade
A majority worries that the evolution of artificial intelligence by 2030 will continue to be primarily focused on optimizing profits and social control. Still, a portion celebrate coming AI breakthroughs that will improve life.
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Experts Say the ‘New Normal’ in 2025 Will Be Far More Tech-Driven, Presenting More Big Challenges
A plurality of experts think sweeping societal change will make life worse for most people. Still, a portion believe things will be better in a ‘tele-everything’ world.
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What is machine learning, and how does it work?
Our latest Methods 101 video explains the basics of machine learning and how it allows our researchers to analyze data on a large scale.
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Not all unemployed people get unemployment benefits; in some states, very few do
Despite some broad federal guidelines, claimants still face a hodgepodge of different state rules governing how they can qualify for benefits.
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Most Americans don’t think cellphone tracking will help limit COVID-19, are divided on whether it’s acceptable
A majority of Americans are skeptical that tracking someone’s location through their cellphone would help curb the outbreak.
