According to the latest Pew Research poll, 49% of Americans report using chatbots at least occasionally, but a concerning 63% believe this technology is advancing too quickly. Since 2024, usage has more than doubled from just 33%, with ChatGPT’s popularity soaring as its use has nearly doubled since 2023.

However, optimism about AI’s societal impact is hard to come by. Only 16% of respondents think AI will have a positive effect on society. This pessimism is particularly pronounced among younger generations: 48% of Americans aged 18-29 believe the tech is more likely to harm than help.

Contrastingly, those in their thirties are the most frequent users, with 34% saying they rely on chatbots daily or more often. This could be attributed to AI being used for work tasks by roughly four in ten Americans, which may explain why 30% say it boosts productivity and 28% feel better informed thanks to these tools.

Yet, the spectre of misinformation persists. A hefty 66% of US adults fear AI spreading inaccurate information, a concern that seems to undermine some of its benefits. This ambivalence towards AI paints a complex picture: while it’s increasingly integral in our lives, there are significant reservations about its long-term impacts.