Poll finds broad US opposition to AI and new data centers
An ABC News, Washington Post and Ipsos poll of 2,545 US adults found that 57% viewed AI as harmful to society, while 42% considered it beneficial; when asked about personal impact, 50% said AI had benefited them. The survey, conducted from October 9-13, 2026, with a margin of error of about ±2 percentage points, also found that 66% opposed new US data centers and 72% opposed construction in their own communities. Political and polling experts cited by CNET said this backlash could affect key midterm races, an assessment that remains a forecast.
CNET reports that AI regulation and data-center construction have become prominent political issues ahead of the November 3 midterms. Experts said public concerns, including electricity bills, water use and grid strain, could affect key races, although the electoral impact has not yet been demonstrated.
As far as public opinion goes, artificial intelligence is not a bed of roses. With the Nov. 3 elections looming nationwide, an issue that was barely a blip a year ago has become a full-blown backlash and a likely spoiler in the midterm elections.
A new poll from ABC News, the Washington Post and Ipsos found that a majority of Americans (57%) believe AI is bad for society, with many more pointing to its dangers than the potential benefits the tech could bring. An even larger number of those polled (66%) are opposed to the construction of new data centers in the US, and more (72%) would be opposed if it were in their community.