AI
Jun 17, 20262
72%
Americans embrace chatbots while fearing AI's societal impact, Pew survey shows
A Pew Research survey shows 49% of Americans now use chatbots, up from 33% two years ago, yet 63% believe AI is advancing too quickly and only 16% expect positive societal impact. Younger generations lead in adoption but express the most pessimism about AI's future.
Quick Facts
Who
Pew Research Center
What
Pew Research survey on chatbot and AI usage
When
2026 (survey date)
Where
United States
- Pew Research survey on chatbot and AI usage
- Americans using chatbots at least occasionally
- ChatGPT remaining most popular platform
- Americans expressing concern about AI advancement pace
- Survey on societal impact expectations of AI
A new Pew Research Center survey reveals a striking paradox in American attitudes toward artificial intelligence: nearly half of U.S. adults now use chatbots regularly, yet two-thirds express concern that the technology is advancing too quickly. The survey found that 49% of Americans report using chatbots at least occasionally, up significantly from 33% just two years ago. ChatGPT remains the dominant platform, with 44% of respondents having used it, followed by Gemini (24%), Microsoft Copilot (17%), and Meta AI (14%).
Despite the surge in adoption, Americans remain deeply skeptical about AI's future. Only 16% of respondents believe artificial intelligence will have a positive impact on society over the next 20 years, while 40% predict negative consequences. Younger adults ages 18 to 29 show the highest adoption rates, with 66% reporting chatbot use, yet this group is most pessimistic: 48% expect negative societal impacts and just 14% anticipate positive ones. Conversely, older generations use chatbots less frequently but hold more neutral views about the technology's prospects.
The survey identifies several primary use cases driving adoption. Most Americans use chatbots for information search, effectively shifting from traditional websites to AI-powered tools. Work-related tasks account for roughly 40% of usage, with 30% of users reporting increased productivity. Entertainment, content creation, and image editing rank among other popular applications. However, many users also rely on chatbots for medical and dietary advice despite manufacturers' warnings against such use.
Concerns about AI governance and safety run deep across the population. Approximately 67% of Americans express little to no confidence in government's ability to regulate AI effectively, while 60% doubt companies will develop and deploy these tools responsibly. Additionally, 63% worry that AI will compromise personal information security. The paradox of rising use alongside widespread skepticism underscores Americans' complex relationship with the technology—adopting it for practical benefits while harboring significant reservations about its broader implications.
Why This Matters
This survey reveals a critical disconnect in American attitudes toward AI adoption: while nearly half of adults are actively using chatbots, the majority harbor deep skepticism about the technology's societal trajectory. For business leaders, policymakers, and technology professionals, this paradox signals both market opportunity and regulatory urgency—consumers want AI tools but demand stronger governance. For individuals, it underscores the importance of informed adoption practices and awareness of current AI limitations, particularly regarding unreliable medical or financial advice.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2023
WireChatGPT adoption benchmark year for comparison
Jan 1, 2024
Wire33% of Americans reported using chatbots; 66% concerned about AI spreading inaccurate information
Jun 17, 2026
WireThe Verge publishes Pew Research survey findings on AI chatbot usage and concerns
Jun 18, 2026
WireTechSpot publishes comprehensive coverage of the Pew Research survey results