Pew Study: Only 16% of Americans Optimistic About AI's Societal Impact

A new Pew Research study reveals that only 16% of Americans believe AI will have a positive impact on society over the next 20 years, while 40% expect a negative impact. The survey of U.S. adults shows widespread skepticism: 67% doubt the government will meaningfully regulate AI, and 59% distrust companies to develop it safely. Nearly two-thirds think AI development is moving too quickly. Young people under 30 are the most pessimistic, with only 14% positive. Despite this, AI usage is rising: 44% of adults now use ChatGPT, more than double since 2023. Other chatbots include Gemini (24%), Copilot (17%), Meta AI (14%), Grok (8%), Claude (6%), and Character.ai (3%). Men use AI more than women (27% vs. 20% daily), and 60% of respondents regularly read AI-generated summaries. About half of Americans do not use AI, primarily those aged 65+ (75% never use chatbots).