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The “A” is for “Anxious” By SecureMac.com Concerns Rise as Americans Express Anxiety Over AI’s Growing Influence In a recent Engadget report highlighting Pew Research Center’s findings, concerns about the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI) have escalated. Last December, 38% of surveyed individuals expressed more worry than excitement about AI’s advancement. Fast forward to August, and this number has surged to 52%, marking a significant shift in sentiment. Another 36% share equal parts concern and excitement, while a minor 10% remain more excited than concerned. Pew’s analysis suggests that across all major demographics, apprehension about AI outweighs enthusiasm. Despite this trend, the survey also highlights areas where people appreciate AI’s support, citing its assistance in various tasks. The report delves into demographic breakdowns and awareness levels regarding the perceived benefits and dangers of AI. The concerns stem from a myriad of reasons, including the potential misuse of AI-generated deepfakes for sextortion, election interference, spreading misinformation, and propaganda. Wired’s piece emphasizes the psychological impact, warning that humans may not be adequately prepared for an AI-saturated “post-truth world.” Psychologists are just beginning to grapple with the far-reaching implications of this AI era, foreseeing a flood of disinformation, deepfakes, and distorted realities. Larry Rosen, a psychology professor, raises concerns about over-reliance on AI, likening it to people’s increasing dependency on navigation apps. He worries that such dependence might hinder learning and cause stress due to constantly shifting gears and relying on AI for various tasks. Contrastingly, Michael Graziano, a psychology and neuroscience professor at Princeton, sees potential in AI combatting the loneliness epidemic by serving as a companion. However, he also highlights the darker prospect of AI facilitating the creation of false narratives, potentially leading to a disruptive “post-truth world.” As AI continues to evolve, the dual nature of its impact—offering companionship while potentially perpetuating falsehoods—leaves society pondering the complex implications of its pervasive integration. Extremist Groups Embrace AI Technology for Propaganda, Posing a Threat to Online Safety In a concerning turn, extremist factions have delved into the realm of artificial intelligence, particularly generative