Most rural Nebraskans aren’t nicely knowledgeable about synthetic intelligence and aren’t assured it’s being utilized in the most effective curiosity of the general public, in accordance with the 2024 Nebraska Rural Poll.
About 27% of rural Nebraskans surveyed have used AI instruments, however most haven’t. Nonetheless, 55% of respondents below age 30 have used these instruments.
Barely greater than half of respondents are both under no circumstances (18%) or barely (35%) knowledgeable about synthetic intelligence. About 34% are reasonably knowledgeable, and simply 13% are both very or extraordinarily knowledgeable about AI.
And most rural Nebraskans surveyed are both under no circumstances or barely assured that AI is getting used within the public’s greatest curiosity. Simply greater than half are under no circumstances assured that it’s getting used within the public’s greatest curiosity, and 31% are solely barely assured. Only a few are very or extraordinarily assured, in accordance with the ballot.
Information of synthetic intelligence appears to play a task in how trusting persons are of its use, mentioned Becky Vogt, the Rural Poll supervisor. Respondents who say they’re extra knowledgeable about AI usually tend to be at the very least reasonably assured that it’s being utilized in folks’s greatest curiosity. Virtually a 3rd of respondents who say they’re very or extraordinarily knowledgeable about AI are at the very least reasonably assured of this, in comparison with simply over one in 10 who say they don’t seem to be in any respect or barely knowledgeable about AI.
“What we’re seeing by these indicators is a transparent connection between data and belief in relation to synthetic intelligence,” Vogt mentioned. “Rural Nebraskans who’re extra knowledgeable about AI are extra assured in its use for the general public good, and vice versa, which highlights the significance of training and consciousness on this quickly evolving discipline.”
Opinions are blended concerning the impacts of synthetic intelligence. Most imagine AI could have a unfavorable impression on the next: job alternatives (64%), society (62%), the workforce (57%), bias and discrimination (55%) and the U.S. economic system (53%). Nonetheless, many see it as having a constructive impression on well being care (44%), the way in which folks entry data (43%), agriculture (40%) and transportation (34%). About 29% of rural Nebraskans surveyed see it as having no impression on their private well-being within the subsequent 10 years, and about 20% don’t know what the impacts might be for every of the gadgets listed.
“Whereas there’s uncertainty and concern concerning the potential unfavorable impacts of AI on areas like jobs and society, many rural Nebraskans see alternatives for constructive change, significantly in well being care, agriculture and how we entry data,” Vogt mentioned. “These blended views mirror each the promise and the challenges of integrating AI into each day life.”
To study extra about rural Nebraskans’ perceptions of synthetic intelligence, policymakers, group leaders and members of the general public are invited to a Rural Poll webinar at 10 a.m. Central Dec. 11. Extra particulars and registration can be found here.
The Rural Poll is the biggest annual ballot gauging rural Nebraskans’ perceptions about coverage and high quality of life. Questionnaires had been mailed to greater than 5,800 households in Nebraska in late spring and summer time, with 1,010 households — representing 86 of the state’s 93 counties — responding. The margin of error for the ballot is plus-or-minus 3%. Rural Prosperity Nebraska conducts the ballot with funding from Nebraska Extension.