A recent statewide survey by Magellan Strategies indicates that a majority of Coloradans hold an unfavorable view of artificial intelligence (AI), with two-thirds expressing dislike for the technology. This sentiment is particularly strong among younger residents, with 81% of those aged 18 to 44 reporting an unfavorable opinion.
The nonpartisan research firm, based in Broomfield, released the survey results over the weekend. It polled nearly 1,400 registered voters between August 26 and September 2, with a margin of error of 2.63%. The survey was not funded or developed by an outside organization.
The findings show that AI's favorability varies across different demographics. While 81% of younger Coloradans (18-44) dislike AI, the unfavorability drops to 55% for those aged 45 to 64 and 49% for residents over 65. Women express more negative views, with 74% holding an unfavorable attitude compared to 58% of men. Politically, Republicans are more receptive to AI, with 48% reporting a favorable view, whereas only 25% of unaffiliated voters and 20% of Democrats share this sentiment. Favorability also appears to increase with income, reaching nearly an even split among those earning at least $200,000 annually. Despite these opinions, 60% of Coloradans reported using AI tools in the past year.
Residents expressed various concerns about AI in open-ended responses. Many pointed to the environmental impact of the large data centers that power AI, specifically their high water and power consumption at a time when Colorado faces drought and capacity challenges. One Adams County woman described AI as a "massive, terrifying economic ticking time bomb." Other worries included potential job loss, a decline in critical thinking skills, over-reliance on AI, and a lack of trust in major tech companies developing AI software. Some respondents also noted that AI-powered systems often produce incorrect results.
Support for regulating data centers is high across the state. The survey found 55% of respondents support construction bans for data centers, and 26% believe new zoning regulations should be established for these projects. Opposition to data centers intensifies when proximity is considered: 75% oppose data centers anywhere in the state, and 86% oppose them in their own neighborhoods. A significant majority, 83%, believe data centers use too much power, and 82% believe they use too much water. Only 16% agreed that the benefits to the local economy outweigh these potential impacts, with many concerned that data centers will drive up electricity costs for nearby communities.
Local governments across Colorado have begun enacting moratoriums on data center development, following the state Legislature's decision this year to defer action on how to regulate or incentivize such facilities. Colorado lawmakers did pass a broad AI law in 2024 aimed at curbing discrimination, but after a period of debate, a more narrow version replaced it this year.
Beyond environmental and economic concerns, Coloradans also have reservations about AI's broader societal effects. Majorities believe AI will lead to job losses for future generations and do not trust local governments or school districts to use AI responsibly. While 40% of respondents see potential benefits for medicine, 74% anticipate a negative impact on social media, and 73% foresee a negative effect on elections.
