AI use rises as Americans worry it is moving too fast
Pew Research Center found growing chatbot adoption alongside broad concern that AI is developing too quickly and may hurt society.
By Hana Yoshida · Markets Reporter
2 min read
Nearly half of Americans say they use AI chatbots at least sometimes, but most think the technology is advancing faster than it should, according to Pew Research Center. The findings show wider adoption of consumer AI tools alongside persistent public concern about their effect on society.
Pew said 49% of Americans report using chatbots at least occasionally. That is up from 33% in 2024, according to the center’s polling.
The survey also found that 63% of Americans believe AI is moving too quickly. Pew said only 16% of respondents think AI will have a positive effect on society.
ChatGPT use has grown
Pew’s poll found that ChatGPT remains a major part of the shift in chatbot use. According to the center, 44% of respondents said they have used ChatGPT, double the share reported in 2023.
The numbers point to a public split over AI: more people are trying the tools, while many remain skeptical about where the technology is headed. Pew’s findings also align with earlier polling showing negative views of AI among Americans, according to The Verge’s summary of the research.
Pew said some Americans see practical benefits from AI tools. The center found that 30% believe AI makes them more productive, while 28% say it helps them become better informed.
Younger adults use AI more but view it more negatively
Pew found that adults ages 18 to 29 are the most likely age group to say they have used AI chatbots. In that group, 66% reported using chatbots, according to the center.
Those younger respondents also expressed more concern about AI’s broader effects. Pew said 48% of Americans ages 18 to 29 think AI will have a negative impact on society, while 14% in the same age group expect a positive impact.
Older Americans reported using chatbots less often, according to Pew. The center also found that older age groups were less negative in their views of AI’s effect on society.
Frequent use is highest among 30- to 49-year-olds
Pew said the heaviest daily use appears among adults ages 30 to 49. In that age bracket, 34% reported using chatbots once a day or more.
Work may be one reason for that pattern. Pew found that roughly four in ten Americans have used AI for job-related tasks.
The findings show that AI chatbots have moved further into ordinary use since 2024, according to Pew. They also show that broader acceptance has not followed at the same pace, with most Americans still saying the technology is progressing too fast.
This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.