What do Americans think AI is?

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

Summary

A Pew Research Center study, conducted from Feb. 17-23, 2026, surveyed 5,119 U.S. adults to understand their perceptions and interactions with artificial intelligence. The research reveals that chatbots are the most commonly associated technology with AI, cited by about three-in-ten respondents. Approximately one-in-ten link AI to robots and science fiction. The study also found that 36% of Americans interact with AI at least several times a day. Overall AI awareness is nearly universal at 96%, with 48% reporting they have heard "a lot" about AI, a significant increase from 26% in 2022. Awareness of specific AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot has also risen, with 87% of adults now familiar with them, up from 72% in 2024. However, only 18% of U.S. adults feel "extremely/very confident" using these tools, while 51% do not use them at all.

Key takeaway

For AI product developers designing user interfaces, note that general AI awareness is high (96%). However, only 18% of U.S. adults are highly confident using chatbots. Your design efforts should prioritize intuitive experiences and clear guidance to bridge this confidence gap. Focus on reducing perceived complexity to encourage broader adoption and effective use among the 51% who currently avoid chatbots.

Key insights

Americans increasingly recognize and interact with AI, primarily associating it with chatbots, but confidence in using these tools remains low.

Principles

• AI perception is shaped by direct interaction tools.
• General AI awareness is rapidly increasing.
• High awareness does not imply high user confidence.

Topics

• AI Perception
• Chatbot Usage
• Public Awareness
• User Confidence
• Pew Research Center
• Survey Data

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

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