This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Chapman University has released the results of its 12th annual Chapman University Survey of American Fears, revealing that concerns about artificial intelligence have entered the nation's top 10 fears for the first time. The survey found that more than half of Americans fear AI could harm the political process, while nearly half worry it will hurt the economy.
The 2026 findings also show that fear of corrupt government officials remains the nation's top fear for the 11th consecutive survey, with 61.1% of respondents reporting they are afraid or very afraid of government corruption. The fear of the United States becoming involved in another world war rose from No. 6 in 2025 to No. 2 this year, with 58% expressing fear. For the first time, researchers added several questions specifically examining fears surrounding artificial intelligence.
Two AI-related concerns landed in the top 10: AI harming the political process ranked No. 3, at 51.9%, and AI hurting the economy ranked No. 7, at 49.7%. "These findings make it clear that Americans are concerned not just about what AI might mean for their jobs, but about its potential impact on our political system and the economy," said Christopher Bader, professor of sociology at Chapman University and a lead researcher on the survey. "As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into everyday life, understanding these fears will be increasingly important.
We expect concerns about AI to remain a significant part of the national conversation in the years ahead." The survey's top 10 reflects concerns about government, global conflict, artificial intelligence, loved ones and economic stability. Alongside the rise of AI fears, concerns about biological warfare (48.2% of Americans; No. 9) and terrorist attacks (47.3% of Americans; No. 10) entered the top 10 this year. "The fear of the United States becoming involved in another world war rose substantially this year," Bader said.
"The recent conflict with Iran appears to have influenced Americans' concerns about global conflict. The rise of fears about biological warfare and terrorism may also reflect this broader sense of uncertainty." Family fears remained prominent. More than half of respondents fear a loved one becoming seriously ill (51.8%), ranking No. 4, while 50.6% fear a loved one dying, tying for No. 5.
Economic or financial collapse also ranked among the nation's leading concerns, with 50.6% reporting fear, while government tracking of personal data ranked No. 8 at 48.9%. Beyond the top 10, the survey explored how Americans view emerging technologies and how their experiences with AI may influence their concerns. Researchers found that people who use AI more frequently tend to report less fear of its potential effects.
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