ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos · 21 Oct, 10:13 · Artificial Intelligence briefing

Most Americans say AI is bad for society, oppose more data centers: ABC/Post/Ipsos poll

A recent poll by ABC News, the Washington Post, and Ipsos reveals that a majority of Americans hold negative views regarding artificial intelligence’s impact on society.

What it means for you ↓ Courses for this story

25–40%salary premium for professionals with applied AI skills

11xgrowth in AI job adverts since 2019

66%of leaders won't hire without AI literacy

20days to your first credential

The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

A recent poll by ABC News, the Washington Post, and Ipsos reveals that a majority of Americans hold negative views regarding artificial intelligence’s impact on society. Respondents expressed significant opposition to the expansion of data centres, citing concerns over resource consumption and societal disruption. This sentiment highlights a growing public scepticism towards rapid technological adoption, suggesting that societal acceptance remains a critical barrier. For professionals, this indicates that technical capability alone is insufficient; understanding and addressing public trust and ethical implications are becoming equally vital components of strategic planning and operational success in the current climate.

Employer demand for AI Strategy skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

You must now integrate ethical considerations into your strategic planning. As public trust in AI wanes, organisations will prioritise professionals who can navigate complex stakeholder expectations. Your ability to communicate the societal value of technology, rather than just its efficiency, will distinguish you. Focus on developing skills in governance and risk management to ensure compliance with emerging regulations. You should actively engage in discussions about sustainable computing practices to address data centre concerns. By positioning yourself as a bridge between technical teams and public relations, you become indispensable. Prioritise courses that enhance your strategic oversight capabilities, ensuring you can align AI initiatives with broader social responsibilities and maintain corporate reputation.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are AI Strategy, Compliance And Governance, Sustainable Computing and Risk Management Strategies — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

Enrol in these
to benefit.

These programmes position you for exactly this shift — online, self-paced, and finishing with a verifiable certificate you can share the day you pass.