In this edition of Progress Pulse, we explore how Americans think artificial intelligence (AI) will affect our information ecosystem in the future.
To find out, we commissioned a survey, conducted by The Harris Poll, among a nationally representative sample of over 2,000 U.S. adults.
We presented two opposing visions of how AI will affect our information ecosystem in the future and asked Americans which one they agree with most. In one vision, AI will strengthen our information ecosystem by helping identify diverse viewpoints, enabling people to evaluate competing claims more effectively, and creating environments with more free discussion. Further, in this vision, AI empowers individuals to participate in truth-seeking and encourages healthier public discourse on complex issues.
In the other vision, AI will weaken our information ecosystem by creating echo-chambers where certain perspectives dominate, making it harder to evaluate competing claims and creating environments with more censorship. Moreover, in this vision, AI lessens our ability to find the truth and reduces the productive discussion of complex topics in the public sphere.
OVERALL FINDINGS
Americans are evenly divided in their views about AI’s likely effects on our information ecosystem; 49% believe AI will strengthen our information ecosystem, and 51% believe AI will weaken it.
DEMOGRAPHICS AND ATTITUDES ABOUT AI
Gender
Men are slightly more likely to think AI will strengthen our information ecosystem, and women are slightly more likely to think AI will weaken it.
- Men: 55% strengthen; 45% weaken
- Women: 44% strengthen; 56% weaken
Age
Older adults (55 and over) are more inclined than younger adults (under 55) to think AI will weaken our information ecosystem.
- 18-24: 53% strengthen; 47% weaken
- 25-34: 56% strengthen; 44% weaken
- 35-44: 53% strengthen; 47% weaken
- 45-54: 51% strengthen; 49% weaken
- 55-64: 46% strengthen; 54% weaken
- 65+: 41% strengthen; 59% weaken
Education
When it comes to formal education, individuals with a college degree are the most inclined to think AI will strengthen our information ecosystem, while those with some college are the most likely to think AI will weaken it.
- High school or less: 50% strengthen; 50% weaken
- Some college: 44% strengthen; 56% weaken
- College graduates: 54% strengthen; 46% weaken
Household Income
Individuals with household incomes of $100,000 or more are more likely than those in lower income categories to believe AI will strengthen our information ecosystem.
- Income less than $50k: 47% strengthen; 53% weaken
- Income $50k to $74,9k: 45% strengthen; 55% weaken
- Income $75k to $99,9k: 48% strengthen; 52% weaken
- Income $100k or more: 53% strengthen; 47% weaken
Political Party
There are no political differences for expectations on how AI will affect our information ecosystem.
- Democrats: 49% strengthen; 51% weaken
- Republicans: 50% strengthen; 50% weaken
- Independents: 51% strengthen; 49% weaken
METHODOLOGY
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of the Human Flourishing Lab from April 23-25, 2025, among 2,087 adults ages 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact croutledge@archbridgeinstitute.org
Respondents were presented with the following prompt:
We would like to understand your perspective on the future impact of artificial intelligence (AI). Consider the opinions of two individuals, Taylor and Morgan.
- Taylor believes that in the future, AI will strengthen our information ecosystem. AI will help identify diverse viewpoints, enable people to evaluate competing claims more effectively, and create environments which allow for free discussion. It will empower individuals to participate in truth-seeking and encourage healthier public discussion around complex topics.
- Morgan believes that in the future, AI will weaken our information ecosystem. AI will create echo-chambers where certain perspectives dominate, make it harder to evaluate competing claims, and create environments which allow for more censorship. It will lessen our ability to find the truth and reduce the productive discussion of complex topics in the public sphere.
Respondents were asked to indicate whether they: strongly agree with Taylor; somewhat agree with Taylor; strongly agree with Morgan; or somewhat agree with Morgan.
PROGRESS PULSE
Progress Pulse is a data-driven research project of the Human Flourishing Lab exploring views about progress. We conduct regular surveys of the American people on questions related to human advancement, emerging technologies, and visions of the future.
Clay Routledge, PhD, is the Vice President of Research and Director of the Human Flourishing Lab at the Archbridge Institute. As a leading expert in existential psychology, his work focuses on helping people reach their full potential and build meaningful lives. Follow his work @clayroutledge and subscribe to his newsletter, Flourishing Fridays.
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