The Moralization of Artificial Intelligence

Opposition to artificial intelligence (AI) is widespread, but is it driven by deliberate reasoning or intuitive moral reactions? Across two studies, we examine whether AI opposition generalizes across four different AI applications, whether it stems from moral convictions, and which groups are most resistant. Most participants do not oppose using AI. However, among those who do oppose AI, most indicated their views would remain unchanged even if AI proved beneficial, suggesting resistance stems from moral intuitions. Structural equation modeling analysis shows that attitudes toward AI are best explained by a single latent factor of AI moralization, supporting the idea that initial moral intuitions guide later reasoning. We also identify individual differences predicting opposition to specific AI uses and uncover the most common arguments people invoke to justify their AI stance. These findings suggest AI aversion is often moral, implying that shifting attitudes requires addressing moral—not just pragmatic—concerns.