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Artificial intelligence has entered the digital, everyday lives of Americans at breakneck speed. Work, research, content creation: its use is the multiplication and reshaping of habits. However, this massive acceptance does not equate to approval. A new survey reveals a striking gap between usage and perception as most Americans continue to view AI with suspicion. That gap, at a time when regulators and tech giants are up to speed on the issue, reveals the lingering tensions surrounding this technological revolution.
In short
- Artificial intelligence is making its way into Americans’ digital everyday lives with rapidly increasing adoption.
- But the national survey reveals a stark gap between massive AI use and largely negative perceptions.
- The data shows that most citizens believe the risks of AI outweigh its benefits.
- The level of trust in these technologies remains low, even in sensitive sectors such as healthcare and finance.
Growing adoption but negative perception of AI
A survey of 1,000 registered voters conducted by NBC News in partnership with Hart Research Associates and Public Opinion Strategies from February 27 to March 3, 2026 reveals mixed dynamics around artificial intelligence in the United States. The study observes a clear increase in the use of AI tools in everyday life, a sign of the rapid integration of these technologies into the public’s digital habits.
However, this increase in usage is not accompanied by equal enthusiasm. Opinion indicators reveal a generally unfavorable perception of AI, with the level of skepticism exceeding the positive views expressed by respondents.
The main quantified findings of the survey are:
- “56% of respondents said they had used an AI platform such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini in the past few months.”which is up from 48% in December 2024 and 53% in August 2025;
- “Only 26% of polled voters perceive artificial intelligence positively”compared to “46% of people who perceive it negatively”resulting in a net favorability score of -20 points;
- The survey highlights that this degree of unpopularity places AI behind several political figures and institutions that are traditionally viewed unfavorably by public opinion;
- This is what the majority of respondents (57%) believe “The risks of artificial intelligence outweigh its benefits”while 34% hold the opposite opinion.
Deep concerns
Beyond the raw numbers and chain data, other studies offer a more nuanced view of the reasons for skepticism. A YouGov survey conducted at the end of 2025 shows that only 5% of American adults say this “big trust in AI”while 41% express a high degree of mistrust of these technologies. This trust deficit is particularly pronounced in sensitive sectors such as healthcare and finance, where most respondents say they would never trust an AI system to act on their behalf without human oversight.
These feelings are not limited to specific areas. A significant portion of the population is also concerned that artificial intelligence could generate misleading content or deepfakes, with 58% of respondents saying they are “very concerned” about the dissemination of videos or audio controlled by artificial intelligence. These concerns reflect a structural skepticism about AI applications that goes beyond simple technological tools and touches on social, political and ethical issues.
Amid massive adoption and lingering mistrust, AI is settling in without convincing yet. Usage is moving faster than trust, prompting a public debate that is set to intensify. Some experts even warn of an unexpected risk: intensive use of artificial intelligence could cause problems with the wiring of the brain, a symbol of the concerns surrounding this technological revolution.
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A graduate of Sciences Po Toulouse and holder of the blockchain consultant certification issued by Alyra, I joined the Cointribune adventure in 2019. Convinced of the potential of blockchain to transform many sectors of the economy, I committed myself to raising awareness and informing the general public about this ever-evolving ecosystem. My goal is to enable everyone to better understand blockchain and take advantage of the opportunities it offers. I strive every day to provide an objective analysis of current events, decipher market trends, convey the latest technological innovations, and put into perspective the economic and social issues of this ongoing revolution.
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The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and should not be taken as investment advice. Before making any investment decision, do your own research.
