Americans are divided over the future of artificial intelligence, with just 16% believing it will have a positive impact on society over the next two decades, according to a comprehensive Pew Research study. While some see AI as a revolutionary force, many others are deeply worried about its long-term consequences – and with good reason.
The research reveals that nearly half (40%) of Americans expect AI to have a negative impact in the coming years. This widespread concern extends to who is regulating AI development: two-thirds don't trust the US government to implement effective regulation, while 59% are sceptical about companies' ability to develop AI safely and ethically. Perhaps most strikingly, nearly two-thirds of Americans feel that AI's development is racing ahead too quickly.
You might expect younger people to be more optimistic about AI, but they're actually among the most pessimistic. Just 14% of those under 30 believe AI will have a positive impact – lower than any other age group. This flies in the face of the idea that young people are eager adopters of new technology.
Despite this widespread scepticism, many Americans are already using AI tools daily. A quarter report using chatbots every day, often for work or research tasks. ChatGPT is leading the pack, with 44% of US adults now reporting its use – a figure that's more than doubled since last year. Other popular options include Gemini (24%), Copilot (17%), and MetaAI (14%). There's also a notable divide between men and women: while men are more likely to use AI and express enthusiasm, women tend to be more cautious.
The study also reveals how AI is changing the way we consume information. Six in ten respondents regularly read AI-generated summaries of online articles. However, nearly half of Americans still don't use AI at all – and it's often because they just aren't interested. The Pew Research Centre is a respected institution known for its rigorous studies on social issues; while this research focuses on US public opinion, its findings offer valuable insights into broader societal attitudes towards AI.