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Only 16 percent of Americans think AI will have a positive impact on society, anew study shows
A Pew Research study reveals only 16% of Americans believe AI will have a positive impact on society in the next two decades. Despite widespread daily use of AI, skepticism abounds regarding its regulation and safety, especially among younger people. Approximately 67% doubt the government's role in regulating AI, and 59% are wary of companies developing it responsibly.
Key points
- Only 16% of Americans expect a positive impact from AI over the next 20 years.
- 40% anticipate a negative impact, highlighting widespread skepticism.
- 67% believe the US government will not effectively regulate AI.
- 59% lack trust in companies to develop AI safely.
- Young adults (<30) show the most negativity, with only 14% positive outlook on AI.
- Two-thirds think AI is developing too quickly.
- About 25% use AI chatbots daily, primarily for research and work.
- 44% of U.S. adults use ChatGPT, with significant growth since 2023.
- Gender divide: men use AI more and show more enthusiasm than women.
- 60% read AI-generated summaries online, with limited use for fitness info.
- Half of Americans report not using AI, especially older demographics (75% of those 65+).
Why it matters
- AI integration in daily life contrasts with public skepticism, reflecting a broader concern about technology's societal impact.
- Historical apprehensions about new technologies repeat in modern times, such as the fears tied to the internet in the 1990s.
- Growing concerns over AI regulations echo discussions about the need for ethical guidelines in tech development trending in 2025.
The Pew Research study underscores a significant divide between the increasing use of AI technology in daily life and the prevalent skepticism about its implications for society and regulation, particularly among younger Americans.