For the makers and artists navigating this landscape, the disconnect is stark: while you are likely integrating generative tools into your workflow, the wider public remains deeply sceptical about the technology’s future. A new study from Pew Research suggests that optimism is not just rare, but dangerously low, with only 16 percent of Americans believing artificial intelligence will yield a positive impact on society over the next two decades. Conversely, around 40 percent predict a negative outcome, a sentiment that colours how creators are perceived by the very audience they serve.
The gap between usage and trust
Despite this pervasive distrust, adoption rates are climbing. Approximately one quarter of the population now relies on AI chatbots for daily tasks, primarily for research and work. OpenAI’s ChatGPT leads the pack, with 44 percent of US adults reporting usage—a figure that has more than doubled since 2023. This is followed by Google’s Gemini at 24 percent, Microsoft Copilot at 17 percent, and Meta AI at 14 percent, with smaller shares for Grok, Claude, and Character.ai.
However, confidence in governance is non-existent. A vast majority (67 percent) do not believe the US government will implement meaningful regulation, and 59 percent lack trust in companies to develop the technology safely. This anxiety is compounded by the perception that development is moving too fast, a view held by nearly two thirds of the country.
Demographics and the gender divide
The demographic split is telling. Young people, specifically those under 30, hold the most negative outlook, with only 14 percent foreseeing a positive societal impact. Age also correlates with adoption; nearly 75 percent of Americans aged 65 or older say they never use AI chatbots, while those under 50 are far more likely to be active users.
There is also a distinct gender divide in enthusiasm. Men are more likely to use AI daily (27 percent versus 20 percent for women) and show greater enthusiasm for the technology. While equal shares of men and women use ChatGPT, men are more inclined to experiment with other brands like Copilot and Grok. Women, meanwhile, tend to be more sceptical.
Information consumption is shifting as well. Six in ten respondents now routinely read AI-generated internet summaries, particularly on platforms like Google, while a smaller segment uses the technology for fitness and dieting advice. Yet, a significant portion of the population—about half—has no intention of ever using AI, often citing a simple lack of interest.
Key takeaways
- Optimism is critically low, with only 16 percent of Americans expecting a positive long-term impact from AI.
- Adoption is driven by utility rather than trust, with ChatGPT dominating usage at 44 percent of adults.
- Younger users and men are the primary early adopters, while older demographics and women remain more hesitant.
- Government and corporate regulation are viewed with deep scepticism, leaving the tech industry largely unaccounted for by the public.
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