AI Boom, Public Bust: Americans Skeptical of Tech's Future

A recent study indicates that a significant majority of Americans are not optimistic about the future impact of artificial intelligence, despite its increasing presence in the economy and daily life. Only 16 percent of Americans surveyed believe AI will have a positive societal impact over the next two decades, while approximately 40 percent anticipate a negative effect.

Furthermore, a substantial portion of the public distrusts both corporate and governmental oversight of AI development, with 67 percent doubting meaningful regulation and 59 percent lacking faith in companies to develop AI safely. Younger adults, specifically those under 30, exhibit the most pessimistic outlook, with only 14 percent expecting a positive societal impact.

Despite widespread skepticism, AI usage is on the rise, with about a quarter of Americans using AI chatbots daily, primarily for research or work. ChatGPT is the most popular, used by 44 percent of U.S. adults, a figure that has more than doubled since 2023. Men tend to use AI more and express greater enthusiasm than women.

Concerns about the pace of AI development are also prevalent, with nearly two-thirds of Americans feeling it is progressing too rapidly. Many Americans, particularly older individuals aged 65 and above, report not using AI chatbots at all and express no intention to do so in the future.