Brief
Americans Rank AI Among Top Fears, Surpassing War and Terrorism
A 2026 poll of 1,200 U.S. adults places artificial intelligence ahead of war, terrorism and data tracking in the top‑10 fears.
By Felo News Desk · Published
According to a 2026 survey by Chapman University of 1,200 American adults, artificial intelligence (AI) now ranks among the nation’s top ten fears, overtaking concerns about war, terrorism and government data tracking, the Independent reported on October 20.
The poll placed AI as the third‑most‑cited fear overall, after government corruption and the prospect of the United States entering a world war. AI also appeared twice in the top‑10 list, with worries about its impact on the economy landing at seventh place.
Assistant professor Seth Benzell, who studies the economics of AI, told the Independent that “people’s fears about AI are much broader than concerns about automation or job displacement.” Respondents who expressed fear of AI mentioned scenarios such as romantic chatbot partners, genetically engineered babies and continuous monitoring of workers.
Christopher Bader, a sociology professor at Chapman, said the survey showed that those who already use AI were less fearful, and that some AI applications—particularly those related to clean energy and medical treatments—generated more hope than fear. Bader added, “As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into everyday life, understanding these fears will be increasingly important.”
The poll also highlighted rising anxieties about other issues. Fear of the United States becoming involved in a world war rose to second place, while concerns about biological warfare and terrorist attacks entered the top ten for the first time. Personal health worries—fear of a loved one becoming seriously ill or dying—occupied the fourth and fifth slots, just above worries about financial collapse.
Key facts
- AI ranked third among top ten fears in a 2026 Chapman University poll of 1,200 U.S. adults. (independent.co.uk)
- Government corruption and a potential U.S. world war were the top two fears. (independent.co.uk)
- AI appeared twice in the top ten, also ranking seventh for economic concerns. (independent.co.uk)
- People who already use AI reported less fear than those who do not. (independent.co.uk)
- Fear of a U.S. world war rose to second place, while biological warfare and terrorism entered the top ten. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “More Americans are now worried about AI than war and terrorism, poll finds”
