The Moralization of Artificial Intelligence

Opposition to Artificial Intelligence (AI) is widespread, but is it driven by generalized pre-existing moral intuitions or carefully reasoned arguments? Across two studies, we examined the extent to which AI opposition is morally motivated, whether AI moralization is domain-specific or domain-general, and which individual traits predict resistance to AI. In three of the four AI applications studied—AI-generated art, AI companionship, and legal AI—most opponents disregarded potential risks and benefits, suggesting that resistance is rooted in moral beliefs rather than pragmatic considerations. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that attitudes toward AI were best explained by a single latent factor of AI moralization, rather than by distinct concerns tied to specific domains. This finding supports the idea that moral attitudes toward AI emerge first, shaping later rationalizations about its impact on people and society. Additionally, we identified key individual differences that predicted opposition to specific AI applications. Together, these findings suggest that AI resistance is tied to moral intuitions, highlighting the need for engagement strategies that address the nature of those beliefs rather than relying solely on pragmatic arguments.