Oregonians show 'mixed' feelings on artificial intelligence, survey finds

A new survey released by the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center on Tuesday reveals how some Oregonians feel about the use of artificial intelligence and who should be in charge of AI regulations.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A new survey released by the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center on Tuesday reveals how some Oregonians feel about the use of artificial intelligence and who should be in charge of AI regulations.

From Dec. 19, 2023, to Jan. 7, 2024, the online survey polled over 1,800 Oregonians statewide who were 18 years old and older and followed up on a previous survey from OVBC.

According to the center, both surveys found concerns over how quickly AI is developing and the lack of regulations surrounding the technology.

While some Oregonians said there are some benefits to AI, many respondents felt "ill-equipped" to understand and reap the benefits from AI, OVBC said.

One survey respondent between 18 and 29 years old from Klamath County said there needs to be more transparency behind AI, noting, “AI absolutely needs more regulation and need to be open about where they get the information/training data for their models. We also need to know how much copyrighted material they have been using.”

Another survey respondent, a 45-54-year-old woman from Douglas County said, “[Artificial Intelligence] scares me. I am afraid it will lead to major changes in our society, education, and work culture that we aren’t prepared for, with disastrous consequences.” 

The survey also asked Oregonians about their experience using AI. Most respondents reported using GPS, virtual assistants such as Siri or Alexa, online algorithms, and e-commerce.

Meanwhile, Oregonians reported having less experience with robotics and autonomous cars.

When asked in an open-ended question how AI could be helpful to society, respondents said the tech could be beneficial for jobs, the medical field, science, education, security, and data.

On the other hand, other respondents said AI could be less beneficial for jobs, politics, art, education, military, and media.

“Oregonians are hopeful about AI’s potential to advance research and medicine, but they’re worried about negative impacts on education, jobs, politics, and art. They’re concerned enough about the impact on jobs, they want to make sure people who lose their jobs due to advances in AI receive unemployment benefits,” said OVBC Executive Director Amaury Vogel.

When it comes to AI regulations, respondents said people with expertise in AI and ethics should make decisions about how the tech is used.

Sixty-six percent of respondents believe state government lacks the expertise to regulate AI.

Additionally, most respondents said state governments should pass regulations ensuring all AI research is done in the public’s interest and that corporations developing new tech like AI should be regulated by the government.

A Josephine County between the ages of 65 and 74 said AI decision-makers should take a “Common sense approach, logical thinking, long-range projection and planning, the overall desire to make humanity better, not just more convenient or faster.”  

Rebekah Hanley, a University of Oregon law professor studying generative AI, explained the survey findings show mixed feelings around AI with Oregonians' biggest concerns revolving around security and potential malicious use of AI.

"Oregonians expressed mixed opinions about how the state should respond to generative AI’s utility and risks. Some Oregonians see opportunity and hope that the state will capitalize on it, becoming a leader in the sector by recruiting AI companies and research organizations.  At the same time, one in five Oregonians suggests that the state ban the use of new AI models by government employees," Hanley said.

The survey comes as Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek created Oregon’s new Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council in March 2024.

Members of the council include senators and state representatives, students, and leaders in AI technology.

Kotek launched the council with an executive order in November 2023 stating the council would meet each Tuesday to discuss the benefits and risks posed by AI.