The Uncanny Valley and the Rising Power of Anti-AI Sentiment
Summary
The article discusses the widening gap between public and expert views on AI, citing Pew’s 2025 findings and Quinnipiac’s 2026 poll showing rising public concern. It explores the uncanny valley effect, mismatch theories, disgust and danger-avoidance, and mortality salience as mechanisms driving anti-AI sentiment. It ends with design and communication implications for AI products to reduce perceived threat, emphasizing consistency, boundaries, and distinguishable non-human presentation.