Pew Research: Americans Feel More Concerned Than Excited About AI

  • By Kate Lucariello
  • 09/20/23

According to recent research conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2023, 52% of Americans feel "more concerned than excited" about the use of AI in daily life, compared to 37% in 2021 — an increase of 15 percentage points.

The research team surveyed 11,201 U.S. adults from July 31 to Aug. 6, 2023. Participants were contacted randomly by the national online survey American Trends Panel.

In 2021, 45% of participants were equally excited and concerned about the use of AI, with 18% more excited than concerned, and 37% were more concerned than excited. That number did not change significantly in 2022 (46% equally concerned/excited, 15% more excited, and 38% more concerned), but this year those percentages have drastically changed, with 36% equally concerned/excited, 10% excited, and 52% concerned.

Pew said concern about AI outweighs excitement across the major demographic groups polled: gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education, and others. Perhaps predictably, 61% of older adults (65+) are more concerned than excited, with the gap being smaller among 18 to 29-year-olds, but still significant: 42% more concerned, and 17% more excited.

The research also shows that growing public awareness about AI is keeping pace with rising concerns.

"Those who have heard a lot about AI are 16 points more likely now than they were in December 2022 to express greater concern than excitement about it," the report noted. "Among this most aware group, concern now outweighs excitement by 47% to 15%. In December, this margin was 31% to 23%." Levels of concern seem to be about equal whether people have heard a lot about AI (16%) or not much (19%).

Americans' concerns focus heavily on maintaining control of AI, doubts about whether it will improve our lives, and use of it in certain fields, such as medicine, the report said. A large concern is also data privacy and safety with the use of AI, with 53% of survey respondents feeling their information is not being kept safe and private.

Visit the report page to read more about the results and follow links to the methodology.

About the Author

Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.

Featured

  • Microsoft

    Microsoft Introduces Its First Quantum Computing Chip

    Microsoft has unveiled Majorana 1, its first quantum computing chip, aimed at deployment in datacenters.

  • illustration of a futuristic building labeled "AI & Innovation," featuring circuit board patterns and an AI brain motif, surrounded by geometric trees and a simplified sky

    Cal Poly Pomona Launches AI and Innovation Center

    In an effort to advance AI innovation, foster community engagement, and prepare students for careers in STEM fields and business, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona has teamed up with AI, cloud, and advisory services provider Avanade to launch a new Avanade AI & Innovation Center.

  • computer screen displaying a landline phone being unplugged from a single cord, with a modern office desk, keyboard, and subtle lighting in the background

    Microsoft to Discontinue Skype Services

    Microsoft has announced that it is shutting down service for its Skype telecommunications and video calling services on May 5, 2025.

  • illustration of a football stadium with helmet on the left and laptop with ed tech icons on the right

    The 2025 NFL Draft and Ed Tech Selection: A Strategic Parallel

    In the fast-evolving landscape of collegiate football, the NFL, and higher education, one might not immediately draw connections between the 2025 NFL Draft and the selection of proper educational technology for a college campus. However, upon closer examination, both processes share striking similarities: a rigorous assessment of needs, long-term strategic impact, talent or tool evaluation, financial considerations, and adaptability to a dynamic future.