Americans Are Increasingly Skeptical of AI, but We’re Using It More Than Ever
Americans Are Increasingly Skeptical of AI, but We’re Using It More Than Ever
Publish Date: 2026-06-17 10:00:00
Source Domain: www.cnet.com
Certainly, here is a summary of the article using an unordered list:
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Growing AI Usage and Exposure:
- The usage of AI tools among US adults is increasing, with about half (49%) using chatbots, nearly a quarter using AI daily, a 16% rise from 2024.
- AI integration is expanding into smart home devices such as smart speakers, doorbells, robot vacuums, and smart thermostats, increasing everyday exposure.
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Skeptical Outlook on AI’s Negative Impacts:
- There is a notable belief that AI will have a negative impact on society, according to 40% of US adults, which is slightly up from 2025.
- Only 16% of adults think AI will have a positive impact.
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Concerns About Rapid AI Advancement:
- A significant portion (63%) of US adults feel that AI is advancing too quickly.
- There is a strong desire for human-centric interactions in critical areas like medical care, legal proceedings, and education (79%, 76%, and 74% respectively).
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Desire for Transparency and Regulation:
- Most respondents (75%) want transparency in AI interactions, and nearly three-quarters wish to ban AI from impersonating people’s faces and voices.
- The US government’s regulation of AI is questioned, with 67% of US adults showing little to no confidence it will effectively manage AI risks, a slight increase since 2024.
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Examples of AI Missteps and Government Inaction:
- High-profile incidents highlighted AI’s potential for harm, including lawsuits against AI companies and unauthorized creation of sexualized AI content.
- Government attempts at regulation are limited and controversial, such as the recent Take It Down Act, and bipartisan skepticism about federal AI oversight.
This summary captures the key points highlighting the dual nature of increased AI use and growing societal concerns alongside a lack of confidence in governmental regulation.