Key facts
- Only 16% of Americans believe AI will have a positive impact on society in the next 20 years.
- 40% of Americans expect AI to have a negative impact.
- 67% of Americans doubt meaningful government regulation of AI.
- 59% of Americans do not trust companies to develop AI safely.
- Younger Americans (under 30) are the most skeptical group.
- Nearly two-thirds of Americans think AI development is too fast.
- 25% of Americans use AI chatbots daily, often for research or work.
- ChatGPT usage has doubled since 2023, with 44% of U.S. adults using it.
- Six in ten Americans routinely read AI-generated internet summaries.
A recent study by Pew Research indicates a prevailing skepticism among Americans regarding the societal impact of artificial intelligence. Despite the increasing integration of AI into daily life and the economy, only 16% of Americans believe AI will have a positive effect on society over the next two decades, while a significant 40% anticipate a negative impact.
The research also highlights a lack of confidence in both governmental oversight and corporate responsibility concerning AI development. A substantial majority, 67%, do not expect meaningful regulation from the U.S. government, and 59% distrust companies to develop AI safely. This skepticism is particularly pronounced among younger Americans (under 30), with only 14% of this demographic holding optimistic views.
Furthermore, nearly two-thirds of Americans feel that AI development is progressing too rapidly. Despite these concerns, AI usage is on the rise. Approximately a quarter of Americans report using AI chatbots daily, primarily for research and work-related tasks. ChatGPT leads in popularity, with its usage more than doubling since 2023 to 44% of U.S. adults. Gemini, Copilot, and MetaAI follow, with lower usage rates.
There is a discernible gender divide in AI chatbot usage and sentiment, with men reporting higher daily usage and greater enthusiasm compared to women. The study also notes that AI is altering information consumption habits, with six in ten respondents routinely reading AI-generated internet summaries. Conversely, about half of the country, predominantly older individuals, do not use AI and express no intention to do so.