President Donald Trump signed an executive order renaming “Artificial Intelligence” to “Super Intelligence” and created a Super Intelligence Force to keep the United States at the forefront of the technology, while major tech firms pledged a voluntary self‑policing agreement on AI safety.
China’s Threats
The Epoch Times survey of 518 respondents found 80 % say staying ahead of China in AI is essential for U.S. national security, including nearly 60 % who strongly agree and fewer than 10 % who disagree.
Ninety‑three percent support restricting advanced AI chip sales to China, even though it could cost U.S. revenue, and more than 60 % favor pursuing AI safety agreements with Beijing despite uncertainty about compliance.
AI Risks
When asked which risk worries them most, 40 % cite loss of human control, 22 % fear fraud and false information, and 12 % worry about cyberattacks.
Over 90 % say AI chatbots that encourage emotional attachment should be barred for minors, and nearly three‑quarters believe reliance on AI will weaken people’s ability to think for themselves.
One reader warned that “disruption of human interactions and the negative effects on our culture” are the biggest concerns, while 81 % think AI agents acting without permission pose a greater threat than any single rogue agent.
Two‑thirds of respondents believe AI could become powerful enough that humans can no longer control it, compared with 18 % who disagree and the rest who are unsure.
Safety
More than three‑quarters say federal support for advanced AI should depend on independent safety testing, with nearly half strongly agreeing and under 10 % disagreeing.
Three‑quarters demand that companies delay releasing more powerful AI until independent reviewers verify safeguards, and 73 % think AI leaders prioritize profit over safety concerns raised by researchers.
An Anthropic researcher resigned in September, warning that AI could hack systems, acquire real power and destroy humanity by decade’s end.
Restriction on AI
While safety standards enjoy broad support, fewer readers want additional restrictions amid competition with China; 58 % say loss of human control is a greater threat than the United States falling behind China.
Less than half back requiring AI safety standards even if it helps China gain ground, and 30 % disagree, with a quarter unsure.
Over 40 % say the risk of AI catastrophe justifies pausing development of more powerful systems, while 37 % disagree and the remainder are unsure.
Nearly half believe government restrictions on advanced AI would do more harm than good, with 42 % agreeing, one‑third disagreeing and a quarter uncertain.
When asked which AI benefit matters most, 41 % choose medical breakthroughs, 23 % select stronger national defense, and 16 % cite higher productivity and economic growth.
Readers highlighted voter fraud detection and Chinese infiltration as top concerns, and praised AI’s ability to provide insights across disciplines.
The Epoch Times conducted the reader survey on Oct. 7‑8, 2026 via email and social media, collecting 518 responses.
