Half of Americans think AI is destroying humanity
Core finding
Verasight surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults from August 12 to 18, 2026. 49.1% of Americans think AI is destroying humanity, and 50.9% don't.
The question offered only two answers, yes or no. Its wording is strong, so the even split describes how people react to that claim.
Topline distribution
Half of Americans think AI is destroying humanity.
Do you think AI is destroying humanity?
n = 1,000 · Aug 12–18, 2026 · MoE ±3.2%
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 | Aug 12–18, 2026 |
| Base (unweighted) | 1,000 |
| Margin of error | ±3.2% |
| Module | AOM Survey #2026-152 |
| Sponsor | Verasight |
| Weight variable | weight |
| Weighting targets | age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status |
Sources
- reports.verasight.io/r/aom-2026
Do you think AI is destroying humanity?
Cite this question
AOM Omnibus, fielded August 12-18, 2026, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.2%.