November poll results: What emerging tech are you most skeptical about?

For our November 2025 poll, we asked a question with massive implications for the future: What emerging tech are you the most skeptical about?

The answers covered everything from fusion power to robo taxis. However, one response clearly dominated: AI.

Most of the concerns around AI fell into three main buckets: AI too much, too soon; autonomous AI agents, copilots and robots; and deepfakes, hallucinations and AI-generated “slop.” Let’s look at each of these below.

1. AI too much, too soon

Many community members think that the race to integrate AI into everything raises serious questions about privacy, security, data ownership, and the long-term impact on jobs. There is also anxiety that over-reliance on AI could slowly erode skills and critical thinking—especially if people start to automatically accept AI-generated decisions without scrutiny and analysis.

2. Autonomous agents, copilots and robots

Several community members are also skeptical about autonomous agents, copilots, and robots. Concerns in this area relate to privacy, safety, data leakage, and what might happen if systems act on their own in complex environments. Some people also raised social questions about how humanoid robots and ever-present AI could affect relationships, trust, and what really stays “behind closed doors.”

3. Deepfakes, hallucinations and AI generated “slop”

Rounding out the top three is a trio of AI-driven problems: deepfakes, hallucinations, and low-quality AI generated content (a.k.a. “slop”). The underlying fear is that as content creation scales up, trust and verification will become much harder for individuals and organizations to detect and disregard. For cybersecurity professionals in particular, it means facing a growing wave of fake, yet surprisingly convincing messages and videos.

Other emerging tech that raised eyebrows

While AI dominated the discussion, community members also mentioned a few other technologies that are triggering skepticism rather than enthusiasm, including:

• Web3 and blockchain for non-financial apps
• Self-driving cars and robo taxis (Level 4 and 5)
• Longevity and rejuvenation therapies
• Fusion power that always seems to be “five years away”
• Unlimited data sharing across medicine, finance, work, and personal life “for our security”

Our take on AI

At Devolutions, we share the community’s concerns about AI’s lack of guardrails. For AI to be beneficial rather than harmful, there must be clear and transparent rules for data handling, stringent security and access controls, full respect for user data ownership, and a serious focus on ethical implications and real-world consequences. And just as importantly, in a work context, AI should amplify human skill and expertise, not undermine them.

This is the standard we use for our AI-driven innovations such as the new AI Assistant in Remote Desktop Manager, which is designed to support IT pros in their daily workflows, not take control away from them. When AI is envisioned and applied this way, it becomes a trusted ally instead of a looming threat.

The winners

Now, let us reveal the two lucky poll participants who have been randomly selected to win a $25 Amazon gift card. Congratulations Paco Velasco and Edward M.Benes! Please email asguerin@devolutions.net to claim your prize.

New poll on the way

December has arrived, which means that Santa CLOUD (not to be confused with his cousin Santa Claus) will be making an appearance in a few weeks. Our December poll question will help everyone get in the holiday mood. Stay tuned!