New Republic: 'The AI Industry Is Discovering That the Public Hates It' — Anti-AI Backlash Goes Mainstream

The New Republic·medium signal

A New Republic longform piece hit 266 points and 359 comments on HN, documenting the mainstreaming of anti-AI sentiment: Gallup shows Gen Z excitement about AI dropped from 36% to 22% while anger rose from 22% to 31%; 48 data center projects worth $150B+ were blocked or delayed in 2025. The piece comes after the April 10 Molotov cocktail attack on Sam Altman's home and a 'No Data Centers' shooting at an Indiana councilman's home. The disconnect between AI lab optimism and public hostility is now a political and physical reality.