Americans Embrace AI Chatbots Even as Skepticism Grows

A Pew Research Center survey of 5,119 U.S. adults (Feb. 17-23, 2026) finds that roughly half of Americans (49-50 %) have used an AI chatbot, and about a quarter (24-25 %) do so daily. Only 16 % expect AI to have a positive societal impact over the next 20 years, while around 40 % foresee a negative outcome.

Americans Report Low Confidence in AI's Societal ImpactMost Americans Hold Negative Views of AI Despite Rising Daily Use, Pew Research FindsAmericans are increasingly using AI bots -- even for information about their own health: PollsTechCrunch

Adoption peaks among younger adults (66 % of 18-29, 61 % of 30-49) and falls with age (42 % of 50-64, 23 % of 65+). Asian-American usage leads (70 % overall, 47 % daily), while White adults lag (46 % overall, 20 % daily) and Hispanic and Black adults each reach 49 % overall (?25 % daily). Men use bots daily more (27 %) than women (20 %). ChatGPT dominates (44 % of adults), followed by Gemini (24 %), Copilot (17 %), Meta AI (14 %), Grok (8 %), Claude (6 %) and Character.ai (3 %). Primary tasks are information search (42 %) and work (38 %); entertainment (25 %), image/video creation (24 %), medical advice (20 %) and diet/fitness (20 %) follow.

Americans are increasingly using AI bots -- even for information about their own health: Polls

Privacy and security dominate concerns: 71 % say AI will make personal data less secure, 67 % lack confidence in elected leaders to regulate it, and 59 % distrust companies to develop it responsibly. Among the 51 % who never use chatbots, 83 % cite disinterest, 79 % fear data misuse, 76 % doubt accuracy, and 55 % lack know-how. Concerns persist despite growing use of AI-enabled devices like smartwatches (37 %) and smart speakers (35 %).

Gizmodo

Pew Research Center described the AI relationship as “complex,” noting high adoption with pervasive skepticism. The Kaiser Family Foundation reported 29 % of Americans now use AI for health information at least monthly, up from 17 % in 2024. A CNN poll found 69 % of respondents trust AI-developing companies only “a little” or “not at all.”

Americans are increasingly using AI bots -- even for information about their own health: Polls

The usage-trust gap creates policy pressure. Low confidence in government and corporate oversight may hinder responsible AI deployment, and demographic gaps suggest uneven benefit distribution. Privacy worries could slow adoption in sectors like healthcare and education, prompting lawmakers to craft regulations that address security, accuracy and equitable access before skepticism curtails AI’s contributions.

Americans are increasingly using AI bots -- even for information about their own health: Polls

• “Only 16% of Americans believe AI will have a positive impact on society over the next 20 years, while around 40% expect a negative outcome.” — Pew Research Center, 2026

Most Americans Hold Negative Views of AI Despite Rising Daily Use, Pew Research Finds

• “government may play a role in the emergence of AI, 67% of American adults say they have little to no confidence in their elected leaders to regulate the technology.” — Pew Research Center, 2026

Gizmodo

• “And when it comes to personal data, 71% of respondents agreed: AI will make it less secure.” — Pew Research Center, 2026

Variety Magazine

• “AI is no longer the future; for many, it’s here and now,” — Jeffrey Gottfried, Pew Research Center

Variety Magazine

Usage estimates vary slightly—Gizmodo cites “half of adult Americans,” while ABC News reports 49 %—a difference within the survey’s margin of error. The poll offers rich attitudes on privacy and regulation but lacks sector-specific impact data and longitudinal trends, leaving gaps for future research.

Americans Report Low Confidence in AI's Societal Impact