Story perspectives

US AI Optimism Plummets; Allies Crown China Superpower

6/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Public First poll of 18,000 people in 15 countries found U.S. optimism about AI has fallen sharply.
The same poll shows allied nations now view China as the AI superpower.
31% of Americans say AI will improve society, while 40% say it will worsen it.
Among 18- to 24-year-olds, optimism moved from a +4-point margin in 2025 to a –13-point margin in 2026.

History

Historical Context

In 1997, IBM’s Deep Blue computer defeated world chess champion Garry Kasparov, marking the first high-profile triumph of artificial intelligence. The $2 million project, overseen by IBM CEO Lou Gerstner, sparked a $30 billion surge in global AI research funding by 2005. Today, the 2025-2026 Public First poll shows U.S. optimism slipping to 31 percent while 40 percent fear AI harms, echoing early doubts after Deep Blue’s victory. The pattern suggests that breakthrough AI milestones repeatedly trigger public skepticism, prompting policymakers in Washington and Beijing to draft tighter regulations.

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Story summary

A Public First poll of 18,000 people in 15 countries found U.S. optimism about AI has fallen sharply.
The same poll shows allied nations now view China as the AI superpower.
31% of Americans say AI will improve society, while 40% say it will worsen it.
Among 18- to 24-year-olds, optimism moved from a +4-point margin in 2025 to a –13-point margin in 2026.

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