AI Chatbot Use Rises to 49% in US, Public Skepticism Remains High

Image credit: Search Engine Journal

Nearly half of U.S. adults now use artificial intelligence chatbots, a significant increase from last year, yet widespread concerns persist regarding AI’s societal impact and government oversight, a Pew Research Center study reported Wednesday.

The study found that 49 percent of U.S. adults have used AI chatbots, up from 33 percent in 2024, indicating a rapid adoption rate despite lingering public apprehension.

Among those surveyed, 44 percent reported having tried ChatGPT, a prominent AI chatbot.

The research also revealed that 60 percent of U.S. adults frequently encounter AI-generated summaries in search engine results, which has led to fewer clicks on traditional search outcomes.

Despite the growing use, 40 percent of U.S. adults anticipate that AI will have a negative effect on society over the next two decades. Only 16 percent expect a positive impact, according to the Pew Research Center.

Young adults, aged 18 to 29, exhibited the highest rate of AI chatbot usage at 66 percent. However, this demographic also expressed deeper reservations about AI’s potential negative societal and personal consequences.

Confidence in the government’s ability to regulate AI effectively has also declined. The study indicated that 67 percent of U.S. adults have little to no confidence in such regulation, an increase from 62 percent in 2024.

The Pew Research Center identified a lack of interest as the primary reason non-users avoid chatbots, cited by 60 percent of respondents. Additionally, 54 percent expressed concerns about how their personal information might be used by these AI tools.

Source: Search Engine Journal