Imagining the Digital Future

09/14/2026

The Rise of AI Companions: Our groundbreaking report takes a deep look at the ways people are using AI bots for personal interactions. Survey data and some fascinating verbatim comments from users: https://imaginingthedigitalfuture.org/reports-and-publications/the-rise-of-ai-companions/

09/14/2026

Our new report, "Human Purpose in Peril," is a national survey of AI users detailing their fears that human meaning is deteriorating and social bonds are breaking down as AI becomes pervasive. Read the comprehensive study here: https://imaginingthedigitalfuture.org/reports-and-publications/human-purpose-in-peril/

05/12/2026

Our 2026 edition of the Student Guide to Artificial Intelligence is now available and there is a groundbreaking new approach: "Human Wisdom for the Age of AI." Great thinkers through history frame a set of hands-on exercises to help students develop the essential human skills they need in an AI-infused world. Please download your free copy at: https://studentguidetoai.org

04/02/2026

Our new report includes brilliant essays by more than 160 experts about the urgent need for society to invest in human resilience in the Age of AI. Dig into this report and you'll gain a deeper understanding of the changes ahead for humanity. https://imaginingthedigitalfuture.org/reports-and-publications/human-resilience-in-the-age-of-ai/

06/05/2025

Our FREE Student Guide to Artificial Intelligence continues to expand its reach. In just the first month of distribution, 6,500 faculty, staff and students around the world have downloaded copies. Prepare for fall semester now by getting your PDF in English or Spanish: https://studentguidetoai.org/

03/13/2025

Our groundbreaking national survey about the increasingly human-like encounters we are having with AI language models is getting lots of media coverage. Half of Americans now use AI tools like ChatGPT, making LLMs one of the fastest adopted technologies in history. Check out our report at:

The increasingly human-like way people are engaging with language models Read the full report | Download this report (PDF) | Survey methdology and topline (PDF) March 12, 2025 Half of...

08/19/2024

I'm so pleased that Elon University and the American Association of Colleges and Universities teamed up to produce this new student guide to . https://studentguidetoai.org/

It's a "how-to" manual for college students full of advice about the way students can think about incorporating AI into their coursework, no matter their major. It's free AND any college or university can distribute it to their students. There's also a way to customize it for your campus.

It was great to see this work come together under the leadership of Dan Anderson and Eddie Watson, with a team of wise Elon leaders.

A resource for students navigating college in the AI era

08/19/2024

Our latest project is a free Student Guide to Artificial Intelligence, created with the input of faculty, scholars and students worldwide. It's an important resource for higher education. Get your copy of the guide at: https://studentguidetoai.org

05/16/2024

With Congress considering new regulations regarding the use of AI in campaigns, Imagining the Digital Future Center director Lee Rainie provides analysis of our new national poll on AI & Politics. This survey is right on target for this important discussion. See the full poll results: https://imaginingthedigitalfuture.org/reports-and-publications/ai-politics-24/

05/15/2024

Important news from our new national survey: 78% of Americans think the abuse of AI will impact the 2024 presidential election. Of even greater concern, a large majority think most voters can't detect digital fake photos and video. See the full poll results: https://imaginingthedigitalfuture.org/reports-and-publications/ai-politics-24/