From PCMAG · Rob Pegoraro · · 2m
Americans trust AI less as they use it more
A new Gallup poll shows trust in AI has dropped sharply over the past year, even among regular users.
In brief
A new Gallup poll shows trust in AI has dropped sharply over the past year, even among regular users. More Americans are using AI and feel knowledgeable about it, but trust has eroded significantly, with 70% now expecting AI to destroy more jobs than it creates. Originally reported by PCMAG.
AI use is up sharply
The share of Americans using AI at work, school, or home jumped from 39% to 51% in one year. Those rating themselves knowledgeable about AI rose from 60% to 68%.
But trust has collapsed
Trust in AI to make fair decisions fell from 32% to 28% overall. Among non-users, trust plummeted from 23% to just 12%, worse than Congress's approval rating.
Even users trust AI less
Among people who use AI at least sometimes, trust dropped from 46% to 43%. Familiarity is breeding skepticism, not confidence.
Economic optimism has flipped
Last year, 53% thought AI would boost economic growth. Now 45% expect it to reduce growth, while only 36% see a boost coming.
Productivity views remain mixed
A slim majority (52%) still expects AI to increase productivity, while 31% think it will decrease it. The gap is narrowing as AI slop floods workplaces.
Job destruction fears dominate
A full 70% of Americans expect AI to destroy more jobs than it creates, with only 9% holding the opposite view. Some 59% think AI will reduce the number of businesses.
Strong support for regulation
A full 79% want the government to focus on safety and data security rules even if they slow AI development. Only 17% think companies should self-regulate.
Education gets broad backing
While only 45% support teaching AI in K-12, 72% favor boosting STEM education and 66% endorse on-the-job training programs for AI skills.
Independent testing wanted
Three-quarters of respondents want independent experts to conduct AI safety testing, and 52% want government-run tests. People don't trust companies to police themselves.
Energy for AI splits parties
The biggest partisan gap involves boosting energy production for AI. Some 57% of Republicans back it, but only 41% of Democrats do, reflecting views on Trump's fossil fuel plans.
The short version
More Americans are using AI and feel knowledgeable about it, but trust has eroded significantly, with 70% now expecting AI to destroy more jobs than it creates.
