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Just the Facts on Artificial Intelligence

By Justin Owen

In the latest Beacon Poll, we did a deep dive into Tennesseans’ views on artificial intelligence, a hot topic of debate all over the world. As the debate rages, we wanted to hear directly from Tennesseans themselves about how they view AI. 

AI Usage

A solid majority (58%) of Tennesseans use AI multiple times a week. That figure jumps to 70% among those ages 18-34. As a result of this familiarity, most Tennesseans approve of the public having access to AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot.

Job Loss, Just Not Mine

While much of the AI debate centers on concerns about it replacing our workforce, Tennesseans don’t seem to be buying it, at least as it relates to their own job. A majority (53%) believe AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates. But just one in three of those currently in the workforce worry about it taking their job.

Healthcare & Education

We asked whether voters supported the use of AI tools in healthcare and K-12 education. A surprising 65% of them support the use of AI in the healthcare field, at least with some clear limits and human oversight. Just 29% think the risks are too great to use it in healthcare at all. 

The results are quite different, however, when it comes to the classroom. More Tennesseans (42%) don’t want AI used at all in K-12 education, while 40% think it’s appropriate with oversight. Another 11% believe it should be widely used in education.

When it comes to AI in healthcare, a majority (55%) say AI should be allowed with clear limits and human oversight, and only 29% say it should not be used because the risks are too great.

AI AND TECH

In K-12 schools, however, a plurality (42%) say AI should not be used in classrooms because the risks are too great, while 40% would allow it with limits and teacher oversight.

AI AND TECH

Concerns

Our polling does show that people are more concerned about the negative impacts of AI than the possibilities it creates. People are excited about the daily conveniences that come from its use, and they are equally optimistic about the technological advances and improvements that may result in healthcare. But they are concerned about the spread of misinformation and the loss of critical thinking skills resulting from overreliance on AI. Even concerns about security and privacy top those about job loss. 

What concerns Tennesseans the most about the use of artificial intelligence?

AI and TEch
The spread of misinformation or realistic fake content
24%
People becoming too dependent on it or losing critical-thinking skills
23%
Its impact on jobs
14%
The security and privacy of personal information
18%
Its environmental or energy impact
8%
Bias or unfair decisions made by artificial intelligence systems
7%

Overall, these results read as “proceed, but with caution” when it comes to AI proliferation. People see the upsides, they use AI frequently, and they embrace its access. But they do have concerns, though those concerns don’t quite follow the common media narratives about job loss and environmental impacts. As policymakers at the state and local levels attempt to grapple with AI, they should know that their constituents’ views are more nuanced than they might otherwise be led to believe. 

You can explore more about Tennesseans’ views on AI and technology on its dedicated TennSight issue page here.