A recent survey conducted by the Glenn C. Haskins Emerging Issues Center at the Heartland Institute in collaboration with Rasmussen Reports has revealed some surprising sentiments among young adults in the United States. The poll, released on November 21, 2025, indicates that approximately 41% of individuals aged 18 to 39 support delegating authority over government policymaking decisions to advanced AI systems.
The findings extend beyond governance; about 36% of respondents expressed willingness to allow AI to dictate individual rights, which encompass freedoms related to speech and religious practices. Additionally, 35% of participants indicated that they would favor AI assuming control over the world’s largest militaries, with the intent of decreasing the number of war-related fatalities, as reported by The Christian Post.
Donald Kendal, the director of the Glenn C. Haskins Emerging Issues Center, remarked on the implications of these results, stating, “These results are stunning. What we are seeing is the early emergence of an AI strong man mentality among younger Americans. Younger generations are increasingly disillusioned with the failures of traditional institutions, so much so that they are willing to hand control to artificial intelligence.” Kendal further noted that many believe the existing institutions are “so broken, corrupt, and ineffective” that the situation could hardly worsen if AI were put in charge. He cautioned that these poll results illustrate “an incredibly dangerous trajectory for any society that values personal autonomy and liberty.”
The inclination towards AI governance appears particularly pronounced within conservative circles, with 55% of conservative respondents supporting the idea. Furthermore, a notable 54% of participants aged 25-29 endorsed the notion of AI involvement in policymaking.
The growing reliance on AI in various sectors has sparked both enthusiasm and concern. For instance, the recent move by the Albanian government to appoint an AI chatbot named Diella as the minister for public procurement has garnered international attention. Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that Diella’s role aims to combat significant public corruption in the Eastern European nation. Diella, in its first address to Parliament, asserted, “I am not here to replace people but to assist them. Truly, I do not have citizenship, nor do I have any personal ambition or interests. I only have data, a thirst for knowledge, and algorithms dedicated to serving citizens impartially, transparently, and tirelessly.” This initiative reflects a shift towards viewing AI as a potential solution to longstanding societal issues.
The survey results align with recent trends in AI discussions, especially concerning job markets and responsibilities shifting toward machine learning technologies. The debate surrounding AI regulation intensified earlier this year when a proposed provision in former President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill sought to impose a ten-year moratorium on state-level AI regulations, though this provision was ultimately removed from the final bill.
As AI technology continues to evolve and become integrated into various facets of life, the implications of these survey results raise critical questions regarding ethics and governance. The sentiments expressed by younger generations may signal a transformative moment in the relationship between humans and technology, challenging the boundaries of autonomy, governance, and individual rights.
Ultimately, the ongoing conversation around AI’s role in society necessitates a careful examination of the potential risks and benefits. As developments unfold, understanding the perspectives of the younger populace will be vital in shaping the future discourse on AI governance and its implications for democracy and personal freedom.
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