Society & Ethics

Two-thirds of Americans think AI is advancing too quickly

· June 17, 2026
Two-thirds of Americans think AI is advancing too quickly

What happened

A new Pew Research poll finds that 49 percent of Americans say they use AI chatbots occasionally or more often. This is a steep jump from early 2024, when only 33 percent reported any usage. ChatGPT usage has doubled since 2023, with 44 percent of respondents saying they have tried it. Despite this growth, 63 percent of Americans think AI is advancing too fast, while only 16 percent believe it will have a positive social impact.

Why it matters

Rapid adoption of AI chatbots is pressuring businesses and developers to keep pace with evolving user expectations. The fact that nearly two-thirds of Americans feel AI is moving too fast indicates a rising trust gap and potential resistance to adoption in some segments. Low optimism about AI’s societal benefits suggests public skepticism around ethics, job impacts, and misinformation risks. Companies deploying AI tools must be prepared for scrutiny and stronger calls for regulation or transparency.

What to watch next

Monitor changes in regulation and public policy as pressure grows to slow or shape AI development. Look for shifts in how businesses communicate AI’s role to users and how they address concerns around speed, safety, and fairness. ChatGPT and similar tools may face more scrutiny or demand for controls, affecting product roadmaps and investment. Adoption trends will likely continue rising, but public pushback may force more conservative rollouts in sensitive areas.

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