Americans and AI 2026: Chatbots, Smart Devices and Views on Impact

2026-06-17 · Source: Pew Research Center · Field: Science & Research — Social Sciences & Behavioral Studies · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, extended

Summary

The Pew Research Center's "Americans and AI 2026" study, based on a Feb. 17-23, 2026 survey of 5,119 U.S. adults, reveals that 49% now use AI chatbots, a significant increase from 33% in 2024. ChatGPT remains dominant, used by 44% of adults, up from 18% in 2023. Primary uses include information search (42%) and work tasks (38% of employed adults), with 10% using them for emotional support. While 30% find chatbots boost productivity, a majority of Americans express skepticism: 40% foresee a negative societal impact, 63% believe AI is advancing too quickly, and 71% anticipate less personal data security. Confidence in government AI regulation (67%) and corporate responsibility (59%) is low, with younger adults and Democrats showing heightened wariness.

Key takeaway

For policymakers and technology developers, understanding public sentiment is crucial. Your strategies for AI governance and product development must address widespread concerns about data security, the rapid pace of AI advancement, and its perceived negative societal impacts. Focus on transparent communication and robust safeguards to build trust, especially among younger demographics and specific political affiliations who exhibit higher skepticism.

Key insights

Despite rising AI adoption, Americans are deeply skeptical about its societal impact, pace of development, and data security.

Principles

• AI adoption is accelerating across demographics.
• Public trust in AI governance and corporate responsibility is low.
• Younger adults, while early adopters, are more wary of AI's negative impacts.

Method

The Pew Research Center surveyed 5,119 U.S. adults from Feb. 17-23, 2026, using its American Trends Panel to gather data on AI chatbot usage, smart device ownership, and perceptions of AI's impact.

In practice

• ChatGPT remains the most widely used AI chatbot.
• AI search summaries are read by 60% of U.S. adults.
• Smart speakers are the most common AI-enabled home device (35%).

Topics

• AI Adoption
• Public Opinion
• Chatbot Usage
• Smart Devices
• Data Security
• AI Regulation
• Pew Research Center

Best for: CTO, VP of Engineering/Data, Director of AI/ML, General Interest, Tech Journalist, Policy Maker

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Pew Research Center.