Only 16% of Americans See AI's Societal Impact as Positive

Americans are adopting artificial intelligence tools at a rapid clip, but a new study reveals profound skepticism about the technology's long-term effects on society.

Only 16 percent of U.S. adults believe AI will have a positive impact over the next two decades, according to research from Pew Research Center. Meanwhile, 40 percent expect the technology to harm society, and nearly two-thirds say AI development is moving too quickly.

Why it matters

The disconnect between growing AI usage and declining public confidence signals a trust crisis that could shape regulatory debates and corporate strategies. When majorities doubt both government oversight and corporate responsibility, the industry faces a legitimacy challenge that technical capabilities alone cannot resolve.

Trust deficit spans institutions

The skepticism extends beyond the technology itself to the institutions governing it. Sixty-seven percent of respondents don't believe the U.S. government will meaningfully regulate AI, while 59 percent lack confidence in companies to develop it safely.

Younger Americans—those under 30—express the most pessimistic views, with only 14 percent expecting positive societal outcomes. This finding contradicts assumptions that digital natives would embrace AI most enthusiastically.

Adoption climbs despite concerns

Despite widespread wariness, AI usage continues to expand. About one-quarter of Americans now use AI chatbots daily, primarily for research and work tasks. ChatGPT dominates the market, with 44 percent of U.S. adults reporting use of OpenAI's tool—more than double the 2023 figure.

Google's Gemini ranks second at 24 percent adoption, followed by Microsoft's Copilot at 17 percent and Meta AI at 14 percent. Grok, Claude, and Character.ai trail with single-digit usage rates.

Demographic divides emerge

Gender and age gaps characterize AI adoption patterns. Men use chatbots more frequently than women (27 percent versus 20 percent daily) and express greater enthusiasm. While ChatGPT usage is comparable across genders, men more commonly use Copilot and Grok.

Age represents an even starker divider. Nearly 75 percent of Americans 65 and older report never using AI chatbots, and those who abstain cite lack of interest with no plans to change. Users under 50 drive the majority of adoption.

AI reshapes information consumption

Sixty percent of survey participants regularly read AI-generated internet summaries, a behavior increasingly difficult to avoid given Google's integration of AI overviews into search results. Smaller segments use AI for fitness and dietary guidance.

Roughly half the country still reports no AI use in daily life, suggesting the technology remains far from universal despite its prominence in business and media coverage.

The findings were first reported by Pew Research Center.