For the first time, artificial intelligence is a top 10 fear in the U.S. Many Americans are more scared of AI than a loved one getting sick.

Overview

Chapman University’s 12th annual Survey of American Fears found that concerns about artificial intelligence entered the United States’ top 10 fears for the first time. Among more than 1,200 respondents, 51.9 percent said they feared AI harming the political process, matching the reported share who feared another world war. Fear of AI negatively affecting the economy was cited by 49.7 percent of respondents, placing two AI-related concerns among the survey’s leading anxieties. Corrupt government officials remained the most commonly cited fear at 61.1 percent, followed by fears concerning another world war and AI’s effect on politics. Fear of loved ones becoming gravely ill was cited by 51.8 percent. The survey reported a margin of error of plus or minus 3.79 percentage points, making precise rankings from third through tenth uncertain. Chapman University included questions about AI for the first time in the 2026 survey. Survey creator Christopher Bader said understanding AI-related fears will become increasingly important as the technology is integrated into daily life, and he expects the concerns to remain part of the national conversation.

Summary from popsci.com.