Artificial intelligence has become a part of Americans' digital lives at lightning speed. Work, research, content creation: its uses are multiplying and reshaping habits. However, this massive adoption does not rhyme with membership. A new poll reveals a striking disconnect between usage and perception, as a majority of Americans continue to view AI with suspicion. This gap, at a time when regulators and technological giants are accelerating on the subject, reveals a lasting tension around this technological revolution.
In brief
- Artificial intelligence is establishing itself in the digital daily lives of Americans with adoption increasing sharply.
- However, a national survey reveals a marked gap between the massive use of AI and a largely negative perception.
- Data shows a majority of citizens believe that the risks of AI outweigh its benefits.
- The level of trust in these technologies remains low, including in sensitive sectors such as health and finance.
Growing adoption, but negative perception of AI
The poll conducted from February 27 to March 3, 2026 by NBC News, in partnership with Hart Research Associates and Public Opinion Strategies, among 1,000 registered voters, reveals contrasting dynamics around artificial intelligence in the United States. The study observes a clear progression in the use of AI tools in daily life, a sign of rapid integration of these technologies into the public's digital habits.
At the same time, this rise in power is not accompanied by equivalent enthusiasm. Opinion indicators reveal an overall unfavorable perception of AI, with a level of skepticism that exceeds the positive opinions expressed by respondents.
THE main numerical lessons from the investigation:
- “56% of respondents said they had used an AI platform like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini in the past few months”a figure up from 48% in December 2024 and 53% in August 2025;
- “Only 26% of voters surveyed see AI positively”against “46% who have a negative perception”i.e. a net favorability score of -20 points;
- The survey highlights that this level of unpopularity places artificial intelligence behind several political personalities and institutions traditionally poorly perceived by public opinion;
- A majority of respondents (57%) believe that “the risks of artificial intelligence outweigh its benefits”while 34% defend the opposite position.
Deep concerns
Beyond the raw numbers and on-chain data, other studies offer more nuanced insight into the reasons for skepticism. A YouGov poll conducted in late 2025 indicates that only 5% of American adults say “trust a lot of AI”while 41% express a high level of distrust towards these technologies. This trust deficit is particularly pronounced in sensitive industries such as healthcare and finance, where the majority of respondents say they would never trust an AI system to act on their behalf without human supervision.
These feelings are not limited to specific areas. A significant portion of the population also fears that AI will generate misleading content or deepfakes, with 58% of respondents saying they are “very concerned” by broadcasting videos or audios manipulated by AI. These concerns reflect a structural skepticism towards AI applications, which goes beyond simple technological tools to touch on social, political and ethical issues.
Between massive adoption and persistent distrust, artificial intelligence is taking hold without yet convincing. Uses are growing faster than trust, fueling a public debate set to intensify. Some experts are even warning of an unexpected risk: the intensive use of AI could cause brain burnout, a symbol of the concerns surrounding this technological revolution.
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