Americans Use AI Chatbots Widely Even as Trust Declines, Pew Survey Finds

AI conversational agents have moved from research prototypes to widely used tools, with ChatGPT identified as the leading chatbot among U.S. adults. The rapid diffusion of these services coincides with growing concerns about the technology’s shortcomings and the ethical dubiousness of the industry that builds it.

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A recent Pew Research Center poll indicates that 49 % of U.S. adults report using AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, while only 16 % believe the technology will have a positive impact on society. Conversely, 40 % anticipate a negative societal impact and 31 % expect personal harm.

Futurism

Among respondents aged 18-29, 66 % report using AI chatbots and 48 % view the technology as detrimental to society—the highest levels of both adoption and wariness. Adults 30-49 show 61 % usage and 39 % negative perception; those 50-64 report 42 % usage and 37 % negative perception. Usage drops to below 25 % among adults 65 and older.

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• 49 % of adults use AI chatbots (up from 33 % in 2024).

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• 25 % use chatbots daily.

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• 16 % expect a positive societal impact.

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• 40 % expect a negative societal impact.

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• 31 % anticipate personal negative effects.

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• Age-specific usage: 66 % (18-29), 61 % (30-49), 42 % (50-64), <25 % (65+).

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• Age-specific negative perception: 48 % (18-29), 39 % (30-49), 37 % (50-64).

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The poll notes that many workers feel compelled to engage with AI tools because employers promote them more enthusiastically than employees do. This dynamic occurs alongside mountains of cash and hype, while the sector’s profitability remains uncertain.

Futurism

Widespread consumer interaction does not translate into favorable public perception, raising questions about the AI sector’s long-term sustainability. The industry’s reliance on hype and substantial cash inflows contrasts with the current lack of clear profitability.

Futurism

The poll highlights concerns that sustained public disfavor could threaten the AI sector’s long-term viability, given its reliance on hype and cash rather than proven profitability.

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The Pew Research Center conducted the survey using a nationally representative sample of American adults. Its methodology and findings are presented as the primary source for the reported statistics.

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Respondents cite ethical ambiguities surrounding AI development and express unease about potential personal harms. The perception gap between high usage and low confidence suggests that many feel obligated to adopt the technology despite reservations about its societal ramifications.

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The poll does not clarify why usage rates have risen sharply while confidence has declined, nor does it identify specific factors driving the age-related differences in perception. The poll also provides no insight into the drivers of the generational usage gap.

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