Poll: Concern about AI is growing among NH residents, but so is AI use
Poll: Concern about AI is growing among NH residents, but so is AI use
Publish Date: 2026-06-08 05:03:00
Source Domain: www.nhpr.org
- Declining optimism: The Granite State Poll from the University of New Hampshire shows that nearly two-thirds of respondents believe AI will have a negative effect on the U.S. over the next decade, up three percentage points from October.
- Usage: 59% of New Hampshire residents report using AI at work, and two-thirds use it in personal lives. Despite the growing usage, less than half of users had a positive experience with AI.
- Only two positive impacts: Only medical care (53% optimism) and work productivity (39% optimism) are seen as positively impacted by AI, with other areas like elections, economics, and relationships showing more pessimism than optimism.
- Fear of the job market: Seventy-two percent believe AI will lead to fewer jobs, with many worried that they might lose their job to AI technology in the next ten years.
- Opposition to data centers: The poll also found strong opposition to data centers that house AI-powering computers, with majority of voters opposing such in their towns. Bipartisan opposition exists with 45% supporting a halt in data center development.
