Emerging Technology

Americans regard advances in artificial intelligence and human enhancement technologies with a degree of caution and uncertainty.

Public views are tied to how these technologies would be used and what constraints would be in place.

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.

There are racial and ethnic differences in who takes on gig platform jobs and the negative experiences some of these workers say they face.

A recent Center survey focused on gig platform work. Here is more information about how we crafted the survey and what we learned from it.

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.

Many experts say public online spaces will significantly improve by 2035 if reformers, big technology firms, governments and activists tackle the problems created by misinformation, disinformation and toxic discourse. Others expect continuing troubles as digital tools and forums are used to exploit people’s frailties, stoke their rage and drive them apart.

The vast majority of U.S. adults have heard at least a little about cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ether.

The shares of Americans in each income tier who have home broadband or a smartphone have not significantly changed from 2019 to 2021.

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.