Marylanders Wary of AI's Future, Poll Reveals Deep Concerns

Marylanders Wary of AI's Future Impact

A recent poll conducted by the University of Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC) reveals that a significant number of Marylanders are apprehensive about the future impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on society. Despite widespread awareness and increasing usage of AI technologies, the poll indicates a growing public skepticism about the long-term benefits and risks associated with these advancements.

The poll, which surveyed 810 individuals, found that nearly all Marylanders have some familiarity with AI. Over half reported hearing or reading a lot about AI, while another 43% had heard a little or some. Only 3% claimed to know nothing at all about AI. This high level of awareness translates into considerable engagement, with over 40% of respondents using AI tools weekly or more often.

Concerns About AI's Societal Impact

Despite the high familiarity and usage, the prevailing sentiment among Marylanders is predominantly negative. A striking 58% believe that AI's impact on society will be detrimental, compared to only 30% who foresee a positive outcome. This suggests that while people find current AI applications useful, they are far more apprehensive about the broader, long-term implications.

The poll delved deeper into specific anxieties, revealing a stark picture of public apprehension. The leading concern, flagged by 81% of respondents, was the spread of misinformation and political propaganda facilitated by generative models. This fear is particularly potent as the 2026 general election looms, highlighting a major potential threat to democratic processes.

Top Concerns Unpacked

Close behind misinformation, 78% expressed concern about identity theft and impersonation, a direct threat to personal security in the age of sophisticated deepfakes and data breaches. Other significant worries include the impact on education and critical thinking (61%), the decline in personal connections and face-to-face social interactions (58%), and the much-discussed threat of AI and automation replacing human jobs (55%). Even the environmental impact of energy-hungry data centers registered concern from 51% of those polled.

Why This Matters Now

The UMBC poll serves as a vital bellwether, indicating that public concern over misinformation could profoundly shape political discourse and policy decisions in the coming years. Politicians and tech companies alike ignore these widespread anxieties at their peril. The data also presents a fascinating paradox: many Marylanders are actively using tools they simultaneously fear, suggesting that the convenience or utility of current AI applications outweighs their immediate perceived risks.

Our Take

The bottom line is clear: the honeymoon phase for AI is over, at least in Maryland. This poll serves as a stark reminder that public trust is not a given; it must be earned and maintained through transparency, ethical development, and proactive mitigation of potential harms. For developers, policymakers, and educators, these findings highlight a critical need to address genuine public fears rather than simply dismiss them as technological illiteracy. The future of artificial intelligence hinges not just on its capabilities, but on its ability to integrate responsibly into a society that is increasingly wary of its darker potentials.