Majorities of Americans don't have much trust in AI and think companies are investing too much in it. Most Americans say AI will decrease the availability of jobs. More say it will have a negative effect on the economy than say it will have a positive effect. Most Americans have used artificial intelligence (AI), but only one-quarter use it regularly.
What you need to know about Americans' views on artificial intelligence, as of the February 13 - 16, 2026 Economist / YouGov Poll:
- About two-thirds (63%) of Americans have used AI but only about one-quarter (23%) use it regularly
- Younger adults are more likely than older Americans to have used AI
- A majority (58%) of Americans say they do not trust AI much or don't trust it at all. About one-third (35%) trust it a fair amount or a great deal
- Younger adults are more likely than older Americans to trust AI, and Republicans are more likely than Democrats or Independents to trust it. However, those with a fair amount or a great deal of trust in AI are in the minority in all age and party groups
- Americans are more likely to say AI will have a negative overall effect on the economy than to say its effect will be mostly positive (45% vs. 16%). One-quarter (24%) say its effect will be equally positive and negative
- Younger adults and Republicans are more likely to say AI will have an overall positive effect than older Americans, Democrats, and Independents. But in all groups, a larger share say the effect will be mostly negative
- These results have not significantly changed since the last time this question was asked in September 2025
- Nearly two-thirds (63%) of Americans think AI will lead to a decrease in the number of jobs available in the U.S. Only 7% say it will increase the number of jobs and 12% say it will not affect jobs' availability. These shares have not significantly changed since this question was asked in September 2025
- A majority (54%) of Americans think companies are investing too much in AI. 22% of Americans say companies are investing the right amount and 4% think they are investing too little
Image: Getty (Justin Sullivan / Staff)
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