Science & Technology
New Harris Poll Research Shows Americans Are Split Between Two Extremes When It Comes to Money, Work, Activism, Outlook, Business, and AI
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Welcome to the ‘”And” Era: Navigating the complexities of the modern world.
NEW YORK, July 25, 2023 (Newswire.com)
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According to The “And” Era Report, the latest research from The Harris Poll Thought Leadership Practice, Americans are experiencing a lifestyle that includes two things that are simultaneously true: people tightening their wallets while also spending on luxury items, being quiet yet loud at work, protesting but also being pacifists in activism, and seeing themselves as small saviors in business while also looking for stability.
The survey shows that conflicting things are going on: layoffs in some industries and labor shortages in others, and unemployment is the lowest in over 50 years but a recession looms over the horizon.
“Many of these seemingly contradictory realities coexist,” Abbey Lunney, managing director at The Harris Poll Thought Leadership and Futures Practice, said. “We are entering the ‘And’ Era, moving beyond the binary to accept more nuanced realities.”
What does the “And” era find regarding dualities and their impact on consumers today?
For finances, consumers are embracing a “split-brain budget”, meaning cutting back on the basics while making room for personal luxurious items. Like someone shopping for single-ply toilet paper but wearing Gucci loafers.
- 63% of Americans agree, “I’m not going to deprive myself of the comforts of life now for a future that feels like it could change at any moment.”
- 69% say, “I have cut out more ‘in-between’ spending (i.e., cutting out things I don’t care about that much in order to splurge on something I really care about and cover basic needs).”
- 70% of Gen Zs and Millennials have found ways to splurge on themselves, such as high-quality home items (33%) or luxury fashion items (31%).
- 86% of Gen Zs and Millennials have tried to save on everyday items by shopping at dollar stores (47%), seeking deals and using coupons (47%), and opting out of more social events (35%).
“What this means for brands is don’t find yourself in the middle of this mindset,” Lunney said.
Americans are still enthusiastic about their work and upskilling, while also actively prioritizing their lives, reacting to an uneven system. Seventy percent of Americans see quiet quitting as “a loud statement by employees about what they are looking for.”
To be more effective in their job, employees want a more meaningful investment in boundaries and opportunities to become more well-rounded, not just surface-level gestures from employers:
- 69% favor a four-day workweek
- 69% support a personal development and education budget
- 69% desire mental health support
- 61% want to dedicate work time to pursue other interests
- 59% prefer no official work hours
- 55% like having clear offline boundaries
Overall, 88% of Americans feel that “having interests separate from my job” is important, and 86% believe that “having time away from my job helps me do my job better.”
“The future is unfolding with more complexities and confusion than ever before,” Lunney said. “Meanwhile, people feel like their choices and opinions live in an illusionary binary world, forcing them to check one box or another. But in today’s world, we can forge a different pathway where we can acknowledge that two things can be true simultaneously.”
Take protesters and pacifists: Americans are exhausted by cancel culture and rage-Tok with 51% saying that “nothing has felt stable since 9/11”, and 55% are pre-exhausted about “what is the next thing that will drop out of the sky.”
Yet, there is also a realization that acceptance, kindness, and a connection back to humanity is the only way to move forward, with 90% agreeing that “we need to get back to what makes us universally human” and 87% feel “kindness is essential to solving societal issues and driving meaningful change.”
Most Americans are frustrated about inflation (83%), gun violence (59%), homelessness (65%), the judicial system (65%), the healthcare system (62%), lack of affordable housing (59%), and abortion rights (59%).
On the other hand, Americans have also participated in acts of kindness, including letting someone else have the right of way when driving (78%), complimenting a stranger (69%), picking up litter in a public space (61%), and donated food to someone in need (58%).
What activities do Americans use to escape the complexities and pressures of today’s world? Watch movies or TV shows (87%), go to a quiet place alone (76%), have chocolate or dessert (69%), scroll on social media (68%), and play video games (61%).
Regarding the future, 73% of people are concerned that nothing will change, and 69% are optimistic that something must change to deal with the chaos that is happening today.
Americans are hedging their bets on big businesses for job security while many still believe in supporting small businesses.
- 63% of tech workers have started their company post-layoff.
- 59% of employed Americans agree, “I would rather work at a big company for job security,” and 89% agree, “I believe in the power of small business and want to support them.”
- 48% of Americans agree, “If I started a business today, it would help solve a societal issue or gap” while 49% agree, “If I started a business today, I would be able to make it profitable in 12 months.”
Finally, Americans are unsure whether AI will provide more creativity and human connections or if machines will end up restructuring our purpose in the world. AI expectations include 71% saying, “Algorithms fuel my interests” and 69% feeling “AI will unleash an abundance of creativity.” The AI trepidations include 73% being “nervous about the change AI could bring to our society” and 69% saying, “AI will kill creative industries.”
The survey was conducted online over three-day periods of May 5-7, May 12-14, and May 19-21, 2023, among 5,364 U.S. adults aged 18 and over, as well as salon sessions March 24-25, which focused on what it means to live a well-lived life.
For all the details, visit The “And” Era Report.
For more information, please visit The Harris Poll Thought Leadership Practice or subscribe to their Next Big Think newsletter.
About Harris Poll Thought Leadership Practice
Building on 50+ years of experience pulsing societal opinion, we design credible, creative, and culturally relevant research. Our practice drives thought leadership and unearthed trends for today’s biggest brands. We are focused on helping our clients get ahead of what is next.
About Harris Poll
The Harris Poll is one of the longest-running surveys in the U.S., tracking public opinion, motivations, and social sentiment since 1963, and is now part of Harris Insights & Analytics, a global consulting and market research firm that delivers social intelligence for transformational times. We work with clients in three primary areas: building 21st-century corporate reputation, crafting brand strategy and performance tracking, and earning organic media through public relations research. Our mission is to provide insights and guidance to help leaders make the best decisions possible. To learn more, please visit www.theharrispoll.com.
Source: The Harris Poll
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Science & Technology
Breakthroughs and Challenges: The Latest in Scientific Advancements
A roundup of the latest scientific advancements, exploring breakthroughs and the challenges that lie ahead.
In a notable development, Dr. Emily Carter, a leading researcher at the National Institute of Health, announced a significant breakthrough in the field of gene therapy. On September 10, 2026, she revealed that her team successfully edited genes in living organisms to eliminate hereditary diseases. This advancement holds the potential to revolutionize medical treatment, offering hope to millions suffering from genetic disorders. However, it also raises ethical concerns about the extent of human genetic modification and its long-term impacts.
Simultaneously, the European Space Agency (ESA) has made strides in space exploration with the launch of its latest satellite, Euclid. Launched on September 8, 2026, Euclid aims to map the universe’s dark matter and dark energy, key components that constitute most of the cosmos. This mission could unravel the mysteries of the universe’s expansion and provide insights into the fundamental nature of existence. The ESA emphasizes the importance of international collaboration in this endeavor, as understanding dark matter and energy requires global scientific cooperation.
In the realm of renewable energy, SolarTech Innovations reported a breakthrough in solar panel efficiency on September 12, 2026. Their new technology purportedly increases the energy conversion rate by 25%, potentially transforming the solar energy industry. This advancement could accelerate the shift towards sustainable energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, questions remain about the scalability of this technology and its economic viability for widespread adoption.
Meanwhile, the agricultural sector witnessed a milestone with AgriBio’s development of drought-resistant crops. Announced on September 7, 2026, these genetically engineered plants could enhance food security in regions prone to extreme weather conditions. The company states that these crops can withstand prolonged periods without water, ensuring stable yields. Critics, however, caution about the ecological implications and the potential for unintended consequences on biodiversity.
Lastly, the tech industry is abuzz with the unveiling of QuantumNext’s quantum computing system. Revealed on September 11, 2026, this system reportedly performs calculations at unprecedented speeds, paving the way for advancements in fields like cryptography and complex data analysis. While the potential applications are vast, experts debate the readiness of existing infrastructure to support such technology and the security challenges it may pose.
These scientific advancements highlight the dynamic nature of innovation and the diverse challenges accompanying progress. Each breakthrough presents a spectrum of opportunities and ethical dilemmas that require careful consideration. As these developments unfold, stakeholders from various sectors must engage in dialogue to navigate the complexities they entail.
Looking forward, the scientific community faces the task of addressing the practical and ethical questions these innovations raise. Continued research, open discourse, and policy-making will be crucial in harnessing the benefits of these advancements while mitigating their risks. The next few months will likely see increased scrutiny and discussion as these technologies move from the laboratory to real-world applications.
Science & Technology
Momentum Builds to Curb AI Development Amid Safety Concerns
Tech leaders advocate for slowing AI progress to mitigate risks and ensure safety.
On September 13, 2026, Elon Musk made headlines once more, but this time it wasn’t about electric cars or space exploration. Musk, along with OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, has taken a stand urging for a slowdown in the rapid development of artificial intelligence. The trio’s call to action reflects a burgeoning movement within the technology community. The aim is to ensure that AI advancement does not outpace the necessary safety measures that must be in place to protect society. Musk, known for his outspoken concerns regarding AI, has been vocal about the potential existential threats posed by unchecked AI development. His stance is not without precedent. In past years, he has been an advocate for AI regulation, emphasizing the importance of establishing robust safety protocols. Sam Altman shares this concern. As a key figure in AI innovation, Altman’s support for decelerating AI progress highlights the industry’s internal awareness of its own vulnerabilities. Altman has been instrumental in shaping AI discussions, both as a developer and a policymaker. His involvement underscores a critical shift in perspective among those who once championed AI’s limitless potential.
Dario Amodei’s call for a slowdown adds another layer of urgency. As CEO of Anthropic, Amodei’s insights into AI’s capabilities are profound. He has long advocated for responsible AI development, emphasizing research into AI safety and alignment. His company, Anthropic, is at the forefront of AI safety research, making his voice particularly influential. Amodei’s concerns are grounded in the belief that AI systems need to be designed with alignment and transparency as core principles. The consensus among these leaders is clear. The pace of AI development must be moderated to prevent potential societal disruptions. The public discourse around AI safety has evolved significantly over the past few years. Initially, concerns were often dismissed as speculative or alarmist. However, as AI systems become more integrated into daily life, their impact is undeniable. From autonomous vehicles to intelligent personal assistants, AI technologies influence countless aspects of modern existence. The rapid integration has outpaced regulatory frameworks, leaving gaps that could potentially be exploited.
This movement to slow AI development is gaining traction within the tech community. It reflects a deeper understanding of the potential risks and ethical considerations that come with advanced AI systems. Industry leaders are increasingly aware of their responsibility to mitigate these risks. There is a growing consensus that more comprehensive safety measures and regulatory oversight are necessary. The call for a slowdown is not a demand to halt innovation. Rather, it is a plea for a more deliberate approach to AI development. The goal is to establish a regulatory framework that prioritizes safety, ethical considerations, and long-term societal impact. This approach seeks to ensure that AI technologies are developed responsibly and with foresight. The motivation behind this push is multifaceted. At its core is the desire to prevent unintended consequences that could arise from unchecked AI advancement. These include potential job displacement, privacy concerns, and the risk of AI systems being used for malicious purposes. The tech industry is increasingly aware that the societal implications of AI are vast and complex. There is a recognition that addressing these challenges requires collaboration across sectors and disciplines.
The momentum to slow AI development also reflects a shift in how technology leaders view their role in society. There is a growing acknowledgment that technological innovation must be balanced with ethical responsibility. This recognition is driving the call for more stringent safety protocols and regulatory oversight. As the debate around AI continues, the voices advocating for caution are becoming more prominent. The movement is gaining momentum, supported by influential figures and organizations committed to ensuring that AI development proceeds safely and responsibly. The challenge now is translating this momentum into actionable policies and frameworks. Governments and regulatory bodies must work closely with industry leaders to develop comprehensive guidelines that address the unique challenges posed by AI. This collaboration is essential to fostering innovation while safeguarding societal interests. The path forward requires a collective effort to balance progress with prudence. As AI continues to evolve, the need for thoughtful and responsible development becomes increasingly critical. The calls to slow down AI development are a testament to the industry’s commitment to navigating this complex terrain with care.
The journey ahead is not without challenges. Implementing effective regulatory measures will require cooperation and consensus among diverse stakeholders. However, the growing momentum to address AI safety concerns offers hope for a future where technological advancement is aligned with societal well-being. As industry leaders and policymakers work together, there is potential to shape a future where AI technologies enhance, rather than disrupt, the fabric of society. The commitment to responsible AI development is key to ensuring that AI technologies are harnessed for the greater good. This forward-thinking approach will be crucial in defining the next chapter of AI innovation. The momentum to slow down AI development is more than a precautionary measure. It is a strategic decision to prioritize safety, ethics, and long-term impact. As the conversation around AI continues to evolve, the focus on responsible development will remain at the forefront. The future of AI depends on the choices made today. By embracing a more measured approach, the tech community can pave the way for a future where AI serves humanity’s best interests.
Science & Technology
Quantum Computing Breakthrough: Data Security Implications
MIT’s new quantum algorithm could revolutionize data processing, posing significant challenges for current cryptographic systems. This article explores the implications for data security and potential solutions to counteract quantum threats.
The recent breakthrough in quantum computing by researchers at MIT marks a pivotal moment in the field of data security. On August 19, 2026, Nature published the details of a new quantum algorithm capable of processing data at speeds previously unimaginable. While this innovation holds enormous potential for advancing machine learning and other computational fields, it simultaneously presents a formidable challenge to the current cryptographic systems relied upon to safeguard sensitive information.
At the core of contemporary data security is the reliance on encryption techniques that depend on the complexity of certain mathematical problems, such as the factoring of large numbers, which are currently infeasible for classical computers to solve within a practical timeframe. However, quantum computers, with their ability to perform calculations exponentially faster than traditional machines, threaten to render these encryption methods obsolete. This development could have profound implications for sectors that prioritize data security, including finance, healthcare, and government, where sensitive data is at risk of exposure.
The immediate concern for cybersecurity experts is the potential for quantum computers to crack widely used encryption protocols, such as RSA and ECC, which form the backbone of secure internet communications. The computational power unleashed by quantum algorithms could theoretically decrypt encrypted data in a fraction of the time required by classical computers, leaving digital communications vulnerable to interception and exploitation.
In response to this looming threat, researchers and industry experts are actively exploring the development of quantum-resistant algorithms. These algorithms are designed to withstand the capabilities of quantum computing, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of data even in a post-quantum world. Efforts in this direction include the study of lattice-based cryptography, hash-based signatures, and multivariate polynomial equations as potential foundations for secure encryption systems.
The urgency to develop and implement quantum-resistant cryptography is underscored by the rapid pace of advancements in quantum technology. Tech companies, governments, and academic institutions are investing heavily in research to safeguard their data infrastructures against quantum threats. The transition to quantum-resistant systems, however, is not without its challenges. It requires a comprehensive overhaul of existing cryptographic frameworks and widespread adoption across industries, a process that demands both time and resources.
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of quantum computing in fields such as artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals, and materials science cannot be overlooked. The same capabilities that pose a threat to data security also offer the promise of unprecedented advancements in computational power, enabling breakthroughs that were previously beyond reach.
As the world stands on the brink of a quantum revolution, the dual-edged nature of this technological leap is clear. While the security of our digital world faces new threats, the opportunity for innovation and progress is equally profound. The path forward will require a concerted effort to balance the risks and rewards of quantum computing, ensuring that the transformative potential of this technology is harnessed responsibly and securely.
In the coming years, as quantum technologies continue to evolve, the focus will be on developing robust standards for quantum-resistant cryptography and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government to navigate this new frontier. The race to secure our digital future in the face of quantum capabilities is not just a technical challenge but a strategic imperative that will shape the landscape of cybersecurity for decades to come.
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