Most Americans Pessimistic About AI's Impact on Society

Despite AI's growing dominance in the economy, most Americans are not optimistic about its long-term impact on the country. A new Pew Research study reveals that only 16 percent of Americans think AI's impact on society over the next 20 years will be positive. Around 40 percent say it will have a negative impact.

A majority of Americans have neutral to negative views about AI, despite increasingly using it in their daily lives. Sixty-seven percent of people don't believe the U.S. government will regulate AI meaningfully, and 59 percent don't trust companies to develop it safely.

Young people under 30 have the most negative feelings about AI, with only 14 percent believing it will have a positive impact. Nearly two-thirds of Americans think AI's development is occurring too quickly. Despite skepticism, many Americans use AI regularly.

About a quarter use AI chatbots daily, typically for research or work. A vast majority of AI users rely on ChatGPT, with 44 percent of U.S. adults reporting usage, more than double the rate since 2023.

The next most popular chatbots are Gemini (24 percent), Copilot (17 percent), and MetaAI (14 percent). There is a gender divide, with men using AI more and being more enthusiastic, while women are more skeptical. The report highlights AI's impact on information consumption, with six in ten respondents reading AI-generated internet summaries.

Half of the country says they don't use AI, with older people less likely to use it. Those who don't use chatbots say they're not interested and have no intention of using them. Why this matters: The study's findings have significant implications for the development and deployment of AI in the United States.

With most Americans expressing skepticism about AI's impact, companies and policymakers will need to address concerns about safety, regulation, and transparency. The divide between AI users and non-users, as well as the gender gap in AI adoption, highlight the need for targeted education and outreach efforts. As AI continues to shape the economy and daily life, understanding public perceptions and concerns will be crucial for ensuring that its benefits are realized while minimizing its risks.

The study's results also raise questions about the long-term consequences of AI's rapid development and deployment, and whether the public's skepticism will influence the trajectory of AI innovation.