Study: Only 16% of Americans see AI as positive for society
Original: Only 16 percent of Americans think AI will have a positive impact on society, a new study shows
Why This Matters
Public skepticism toward AI regulation and safety poses challenges for the industry's long-term growth and policy development.
A Pew Research study reveals that only 16 percent of Americans believe AI will have a positive impact on society over the next 20 years, while 40 percent expect negative effects. Around 67 percent doubt the U.S. government will meaningfully regulate AI.
According to new research from Pew Research Center, American public sentiment toward artificial intelligence remains largely skeptical despite widespread adoption. Only 16 percent of Americans think AI will positively impact society in the next 20 years, while approximately 40 percent expect negative consequences. The skepticism extends to regulatory confidence: 67 percent of Americans doubt the U.S. government will effectively regulate AI, and 59 percent distrust companies to develop it safely. Young people show the most negative outlook, with just 14 percent of those under 30 believing AI will benefit society. Nearly two-thirds of Americans also believe AI development is proceeding too rapidly. Despite these concerns, AI usage continues to grow. About 25 percent of Americans report using AI chatbots daily, primarily for research and work purposes. ChatGPT dominates the market, used by 44 percent of U.S. adults—more than double the 2023 figure. Other platforms include Gemini (24%), Copilot (17%), and Meta AI (14%). Men use AI more frequently and enthusiastically than women, with 27 percent of men versus 20 percent of women reporting daily chatbot use. Approximately 60 percent of respondents regularly consume AI-generated internet summaries. However, roughly half of Americans do not use AI, particularly older adults—nearly 75 percent of those aged 65 or older never use chatbots, citing lack of interest.