Only 16 percent of Americans think AI will have a positive impact on society, a new study shows

2026-06-17 · Source: AI News & Artificial Intelligence | TechCrunch · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

A new study from Pew Research reveals that only 16% of Americans anticipate a positive societal impact from AI over the next 20 years, with 40% expecting a negative one. Public trust in government regulation (67% skeptical) and corporate safety development (59% skeptical) is low, and nearly two-thirds believe AI development is too rapid. Younger individuals, under 30, show the most negativity, with only 14% foreseeing positive outcomes. Despite this skepticism, a quarter of Americans use AI chatbots daily, primarily for research or work. ChatGPT is dominant, used by 44% of U.S. adults, more than doubling since 2023, followed by Gemini (24%), Copilot (17%), and Meta AI (14%). A gender divide exists, with men using AI more and being more enthusiastic. Six in ten respondents routinely read AI-generated internet summaries. Approximately half of Americans, particularly those aged 65 or older, do not use AI and express no interest.

Key takeaway

For technology companies developing AI products, understand that public skepticism is high, particularly among younger demographics, regarding AI's societal impact and the safety of its development. Your communication strategies should address these concerns directly, emphasizing transparency and ethical safeguards. Consider how your product's value proposition can overcome the widespread lack of interest among non-users, especially older demographics, to broaden adoption beyond current early adopters.

Key insights

Americans are largely skeptical of AI's societal impact despite increasing daily use, with low trust in regulation and safe development.

Principles

• Public trust in AI regulation and safe development is low.
• Younger demographics exhibit greater AI skepticism.
• AI chatbot adoption is growing, led by ChatGPT.

In practice

• ChatGPT dominates chatbot usage at 44% of U.S. adults.
• AI-generated internet summaries are widely consumed.
• Men show higher AI chatbot usage than women.

Topics

• AI Public Perception
• AI Regulation
• AI Chatbots
• ChatGPT
• Consumer AI Use
• Pew Research

Best for: Executive, AI Product Manager, Product Manager, General Interest, Policy Maker, Tech Journalist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by AI News & Artificial Intelligence | TechCrunch.