WASHINGTON—Most U.S. voters remain wary of cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, favoring traditional financial institutions and expressing concern about emerging technologies, according to new polling.
The survey of 1,000 randomly selected U.S. voters, conducted last week by Public Opinion Strategies and commissioned by CoinDesk, found 65% of respondents trust banks more than cryptocurrency when it comes to financial inclusion, compared with just 5% who favor crypto.
Cryptocurrency, which emerged in part as a response to perceived failures in the traditional banking system during the 2008 financial crisis, has yet to win over much of the public despite nearly two decades of development, according to the report.
While 52% of respondents said cryptocurrency is more than a passing fad, 60% described it as a mostly negative force in the economy, CoinDesk said.
The findings come as digital asset policy remains under debate in Washington, including the Senate’s proposed Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. According to CoinDesk, banking industry groups have pushed back on the measure, arguing that features such as stablecoin rewards could compete with interest-bearing deposit accounts and potentially reduce lending. The legislation has been stalled for months, though recent signals suggest it may begin moving again.
Insights Ahead of the Midterms
The poll was designed to capture public sentiment as crypto and artificial intelligence policy issues advance through Congress, federal regulators and the political campaigns leading up to this year’s midterm elections, CoinDesk reported.
Despite skepticism, cryptocurrency has gained a foothold in U.S. financial life. About 27% of respondents said they have invested in digital assets, though most entered the market several years ago and only 2% reported holdings exceeding $10,000.
Public perception appears to be deteriorating, with 53% of respondents saying recent news coverage has given them a less favorable view of the industry. Supporters tend to cite profitability as crypto’s main appeal, while detractors point to fraud and scams.
Nearly Half Plan No Involvement
At the same time, 46% of respondents said they have no involvement with cryptocurrency and do not intend to participate, while 27% said they have not invested but remain open to doing so.
Negative views were more common among respondents older than 45, with distrust increasing with age. Men, Republicans and minority groups showed relatively stronger affinity for cryptocurrency, according to the data.
The survey also found widespread concern about artificial intelligence. Overall, 55% of respondents said the risks of AI outweigh its benefits, though younger people, men and Republicans were somewhat more supportive.
Crypto investors were among the most favorable toward AI, with 64% saying its development is worth the risks, the report said.
Waiting on Fed Regs
While corporate America has rapidly adopted AI across business operations, the polling suggests a gap between institutional use and public confidence. According to CoinDesk, the cryptocurrency industry is counting on clearer federal regulation to improve trust and broader adoption, but progress depends on action by a divided Congress and rulemaking by agencies such as the SEC.
