A temporary pause on more powerful AI systems has broad support
Core finding
In a Verasight survey of 1,509 U.S. adults conducted July 30 to Aug. 4, 2025, 67% of Americans favored a temporary pause on developing AI systems that can outperform humans at most tasks until stronger regulations are in place.
Another 16% opposed the idea, while 17% were not sure.
Topline scale
67% of Americans favored a temporary pause on developing more powerful AI systems.
Some experts have proposed a temporary pause on developing AI systems that can outperform humans at most tasks until stronger regulations are in place. Do you support or oppose this idea?
n = 1,509 · Jul 30 – Aug 4, 2025 · MoE ±3.1%
Methodology
Full methodology →| Mode | Verasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting |
|---|---|
| Population | US adults age 18+ |
| Field dates | Jul 30 – Aug 4, 2025 |
| Base (unweighted) | 1,509 |
| Margin of error | ±3.1% |
| Module | AI Adoption Survey July 2025 |
| Sponsor | Verasight |
| Weight variable | weight |
| Weighting targets | age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status |
Sources
- verasight-monthly-ai-july.tiiny.co
This idea?
Cite this question
AI Adoption Survey July 2025, fielded July 30-August 4, 2025, N=1,509 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.1%.