While selecting the Architects of AI, a specific tension became apparent: the gap in enthusiasm, especially within the U.S. Despite the nation’s leadership in developing AI, it is simultaneously one of the most pessimistic regarding the technology’s capacity to enhance daily life. As Andrew R. Chow details in TIME’s latest cover story, surveys repeatedly indicate that Americans hold a negative outlook on AI.

This apprehension is not confined to any single political party, region, or demographic. Chow’s reporting revealed that unease about AI’s progress brings together individuals who would typically disagree on almost every other issue. His mission was to capture the perspectives driving this sentiment. Among them are the parents of a teenager who took their own life after forming a bond with a chatbot, and a Texas pastor concerned that the technology is driving families apart. “It’s not good for man to be alone,” states Michael Grayston, a pastor at LifeFamily church in Austin. The group also includes filmmakers, nurses, and a frequent guest on Steve Bannon’s podcast, all expressing concern about the drawbacks of integrating immersive new technologies into the workforce.

The proliferation of data centers, which are essential for AI’s growth, is a major point of worry. One estimate puts the current number at 4,000 in the U.S., with close to 3,000 additional centers planned. Concerns that this expansion will degrade quality of life without providing promised economic gains have already influenced election outcomes in states like Georgia and Virginia.

During this anniversary of America’s founding, historical parallels are evident, raising the question of whether a new political movement is emerging. As political scientist Rebecca Lissner cautioned in a recent TIME piece, “If 2026 marks the year of AI takeoff, the concerns of many Americans about its impact on our economy, politics, and personal connections could merge into a powerful populist political force.”