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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.

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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Momentum Builds to Curb AI Development Amid Safety Concerns

Tech leaders advocate for slowing AI progress to mitigate risks and ensure safety.

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On Saturday, September 12, 2026, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei published an essay titled “We Must Pace the Frontier”, calling on the AI industry to deliberately slow the development of its most advanced models. He proposed a three-part plan, starting with giving independent third-party evaluators “employee-like access” to developers’ internal work. Within hours, xAI owner Elon Musk posted “Dario is right,” and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said he agreed the industry needed to “pace the frontier”, committing OpenAI to welcome independent evaluators. The rare alignment 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.

Amodei’s essay warned that AI capabilities had been advancing drastically faster since the summer, and argued that buying even an extra year or two to work on alignment could greatly reduce the risk of something going seriously wrong. 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.

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Quantum Computing Breakthroughs: Disrupting Industries with Oxford’s Innovations

A recent breakthrough in quantum computing at the University of Oxford promises to disrupt multiple industries by significantly enhancing computational capabilities. Explore the technological implications and potential disruptions poised to redefine sectors.

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In May 2026, the University of Oxford announced a significant breakthrough in the field of quantum computing, unveiling an advanced error correction algorithm that has the potential to transform computational capabilities. This development is not just a scientific triumph; it heralds a new era of technological disruption across multiple industries. Quantum computing, long anticipated as the next frontier in technology, promises to solve complex problems beyond the reach of classical computers, and Oxford’s latest advancement brings this closer to reality.

At the core of this breakthrough is the enhancement in quantum error correction, a critical component that addresses the inherent instability of qubits, which are the fundamental units of quantum information. Traditional computers use bits of 0s and 1s, but quantum computers operate on qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This superposition allows quantum computers to process information exponentially faster than classical computers. However, qubits are notoriously prone to errors due to environmental noise and operational inaccuracies. Oxford’s new algorithm significantly improves the error correction process, maintaining qubit stability longer and allowing extended computational tasks to be performed accurately.

The implications of this are profound. Industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to finance stand on the cusp of disruption as quantum computing offers the ability to model complex molecular structures, optimize large-scale financial portfolios, and even revolutionize artificial intelligence algorithms. In pharmaceuticals, for example, quantum computing can expedite drug discovery by accurately simulating molecular interactions, potentially reducing the time and cost associated with bringing new drugs to market. Similarly, in finance, quantum algorithms can optimize trading strategies and risk management with a precision unattainable by current technologies.

Moreover, the ripple effects of such a leap in computational power extend to data encryption and cybersecurity. Quantum computers possess the potential to decrypt classical encryption methods, prompting a race for quantum-resistant cryptography. This necessitates a paradigm shift in how we secure digital information, affecting every sector that relies on data security.

Despite the tremendous promise, the transition to quantum computing is not without its challenges. The infrastructure required to support quantum technologies is expensive and complex. There is also a significant skills gap; experts in quantum computing are scarce, and training a new generation of scientists and engineers is imperative. Furthermore, ethical considerations regarding the power of quantum computing must be addressed, particularly in terms of privacy and security.

Looking forward, as quantum computing continues to evolve, industries will need to adapt swiftly to harness its capabilities. Early adopters who invest in quantum technologies and develop quantum-ready strategies will likely dominate in the coming decade. As Oxford’s breakthrough demonstrates, the race is on to fully realize the potential of quantum computing and redefine the boundaries of what is technologically possible.

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Apple’s AI Innovations: Shaping the Competitive Landscape in 2026

Apple’s latest advancements in artificial intelligence are setting the stage for a competitive showdown with other tech giants. This article explores how Apple’s AI strategy is positioning the company in the fast-evolving tech landscape.

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In the bustling realm of technology, few companies command as much attention as Apple. In 2026, the Silicon Valley titan has once again captured the tech world’s gaze with its latest advances in artificial intelligence. As Apple unveils a suite of AI-driven innovations, the competitive landscape is poised for a seismic shift.

Apple’s strategic focus on AI is not merely about introducing new features but is a calculated move to redefine user experiences while maintaining its staunch advocacy for privacy. At the heart of Apple’s AI initiatives is the promise of personalization—an AI that learns and adapts to the user’s preferences, offering seamless interaction across its range of devices. This focus is especially pertinent in an era where user data is a hot commodity, and privacy concerns are at an all-time high.

What sets Apple apart in the AI race is its dual emphasis on innovation and privacy. While competitors like Google and Amazon have long been heralded for their AI prowess, often prioritizing expansive data collection to fuel their AI engines, Apple has carved out a niche by leveraging on-device processing. This approach not only mitigates privacy risks but also enhances real-time responsiveness, a crucial factor in user satisfaction.

The competitive implications of Apple’s AI advancements are profound. Google’s AI, renowned for its search and recommendation algorithms, faces a formidable challenger in Apple’s ecosystem-centric approach. Meanwhile, Amazon’s Alexa, which dominates the smart assistant market, must contend with Apple’s Siri, now equipped with enhanced contextual understanding and predictive capabilities.

Microsoft, another major player, has been making strides with its integration of AI in cloud services and productivity tools. However, Apple’s holistic approach—integrating AI across hardware, software, and services—presents a cohesive strategy that is difficult to replicate. This integration not only ensures a seamless user experience but also reinforces brand loyalty, a cornerstone of Apple’s business model.

As AI continues to evolve, the stakes in the tech industry are higher than ever. Apple’s innovations are not just about keeping pace but are strategically designed to place the company at the forefront of the AI revolution. In doing so, Apple is not only safeguarding its market position but is also setting new benchmarks in how technology can enhance and secure our digital lives.

The road ahead will undoubtedly see further advancements and competition, but Apple’s current trajectory suggests it is well-positioned to lead in the AI domain. By prioritizing user-centric design and privacy, Apple is not just participating in the AI race; it is setting the pace.

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