Americans turn against AI with usage high but future views mostly negative.

Pew Research poll shows Americans widely use AI chatbots but hold mostly negative views on future impact. Only 16% expect AI to benefit society in next 20 years, while 40% predict harm and 31% fear personal downsides.

  • Pew poll finds 49% of Americans have used AI chatbots like ChatGPT.
  • Usage jumped from 33% in 2024 with a quarter now using them daily.
  • Only 16% expect AI to benefit society over next 20 years.
  • 40% predict overall harm and 31% fear personal downsides.
  • Concerns center on job losses, privacy risks, rapid development, and uneven benefits.
  • Divide shows growing skepticism even as daily use spreads across demographics.
  • Backlash reflects fears over AI replacing workers and eroding human roles.

Pew Research Center report on Americans and AI 2026: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2026/06/17/americans-and-ai-2026-chatbots-smart-devices-and-views-on-impact/
Forbes coverage of Pew AI poll: https://www.forbes.com/sites/anishasircar/2026/06/22/americans-use-ai-more-but-trust-it-less-research-finds/