AI Adoption Climbs While Public Trust Drops, New Survey Finds

Compiled by the editorial desk with reference to public opinion research and industry data.

Despite a surge in chatbot adoption across the United States, public confidence in artificial intelligence has hit a new low, according to a comprehensive survey released by Pew Research. Only 16% of American adults now believe AI will have a positive effect on society, a figure that reflects deepening unease even as usage reaches record levels.

The poll, conducted among a nationally representative sample, found that 49% of adults have used AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, which remains the dominant tool in the market. A quarter of respondents said they engage with these platforms daily. That marks a significant jump from 2024, when just 33% of adults reported any chatbot use.

Yet the increased familiarity has not translated into warmer feelings. Forty percent of respondents anticipate AI will have a negative impact on society, and 31% expect it to harm them personally. The disconnect between usage and perception is most pronounced among younger generations.

Generational Divide in Attitudes and Use

Adults aged 18 to 29, often labeled Gen Z, are the most skeptical, with 48% predicting negative societal outcomes. Paradoxically, they are also the heaviest users: 66% reported using AI chatbots, the highest rate of any age group. This contrasts with older cohorts, where skepticism is slightly lower but usage drops sharply.

Among those aged 30 to 49, 39% view AI negatively, while 61% use chatbots. The 50-to-64 bracket shows 37% negativity and 42% usage, and for those 65 and older, usage falls below 25%. The pattern suggests that age is a stronger predictor of adoption than of perception.

Researchers note that the reasons behind this gap remain unclear. Some observers argue that many individuals feel compelled to use AI tools, whether due to workplace mandates or social pressure, even while harboring reservations about the technology's ethics and long-term consequences. Employers, in particular, often push AI adoption more enthusiastically than their staff.

This persistent skepticism poses a challenge for the AI industry, which currently relies on heavy investment and hype to sustain momentum. Profitability remains elusive for many firms, and if public distrust persists, the question of long-term consumer demand becomes critical.

The survey adds to a growing body of evidence that widespread use does not automatically build trust. As the technology becomes more embedded in daily life, the industry may need to address not just functionality but also the ethical and societal concerns that continue to weigh on the public's mind.