Americans are embracing AI tools in their daily lives even as many fear the technology is advancing too fast and will ultimately harm society. A new Pew Research Center study captures this tension between rapid adoption and deep skepticism.

Early findings: optimism in the minority

In the newly released survey, Pew reports that “only 16 percent of Americans think AI will have a positive impact on society” over the next 20 years.¹ Around 40 percent expect AI’s impact to be negative, and most of the rest are neutral, underscoring how enthusiasm remains confined to a minority of the public.¹

Growing use, growing unease

At the same time, AI is becoming part of everyday life. Another write-up of the Pew data notes that “half of American adults now use AI chatbots,” with 49 percent of respondents reporting they have tried such tools.³ ChatGPT leads the market, used by 44 percent of adults, followed by Gemini, Copilot, Meta AI and smaller competitors.¹³

Yet as usage grows, so do concerns. Pew found that roughly two‑thirds of Americans believe AI is “advancing too quickly,” crystallized in another headline: “Two-thirds of Americans think AI is advancing too quickly.”²³

Trust gaps: government, companies, and the future

Skepticism extends to institutions tasked with overseeing AI. About 67 percent of Americans say they have little or no confidence that the U.S. government can effectively regulate AI, while 59 percent doubt companies will develop it responsibly.¹³ One summary captures the mood: “Half of Americans now use AI chatbots, but 40% think AI will make society worse and two-thirds don't trust the government to regulate it.”³

Demographically, younger adults under 30 and women are more likely to view AI negatively or with heightened skepticism, even as they, like other Americans, increasingly rely on chatbots for research, work tasks, and entertainment.¹³

1. TechCrunch – “Only 16 percent of Americans think AI will have a positive impact on society, a new study shows”link. Describes Pew findings that just 16% expect AI’s impact on society to be positive, about 40% expect it to be negative, 67% lack confidence in government regulation, and 59% don’t trust companies to develop AI safely.

2. The Verge – “Two-thirds of Americans think AI is advancing too quickly”link. Highlights Pew data showing that about two‑thirds of Americans believe AI is moving forward too fast.

3. The Next Web – “Half of Americans now use AI chatbots, but 40% think AI will make society worse and two-thirds don't trust the government to regulate it”link. Reports that 49% of U.S. adults use AI chatbots, 40% think AI will worsen society, roughly two‑thirds think it is advancing too quickly, and majorities distrust both government and companies to manage it responsibly.