by David Lindfield
Americans are using artificial intelligence (AI) tools at record levels, but a new survey suggests growing adoption has done little to improve public confidence in the technology’s long-term impact.
A sweeping poll from Pew Research Center found that nearly half of American adults now use AI chatbots such as ChatGPT.
However, only a small minority believe artificial intelligence will ultimately benefit society.
According to the survey, just 16% of respondents said they expect AI to have a positive impact on society, while 40% said they believe the technology will have a negative effect.
Another 31% said they expect AI to negatively affect their own lives.
The findings come as AI companies continue pouring billions of dollars into developing increasingly sophisticated systems while aggressively pushing the technology into workplaces, schools, search engines, and consumer products.
AI Adoption Continues to Surge
Despite widespread concerns, Americans are using AI tools more frequently than ever.
Pew found that 49% of adults now use AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, making it the most widely used chatbot platform by a significant margin.
Roughly one-quarter of respondents reported using AI tools every day.
That represents a substantial increase from 2024, when only 33% of American adults reported using AI chatbots.
The results suggest that growing familiarity with AI has not translated into greater public trust.