TLDR
- 50% of Americans worry AI will harm their creative abilities and relationships.
- 73% support AI assistance in tasks but want more control over its use.
- 61% of young adults fear AI will reduce critical thinking skills.
- 72% of Americans want stronger government regulations on AI technologies.
As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in daily life, Americans express growing concern about its impact on their lives and the future of human skills. A recent Pew Research survey conducted in June 2025, with 5,023 U.S. adults, shows that while many acknowledge the benefits AI offers, they are equally worried about its consequences, particularly on human creativity and relationships. This new data reveals a nation grappling with the paradox of wanting AI’s efficiency while fearing it may diminish what makes people human.
Rising Concerns Over AI’s Influence
The study paints a picture of unease, with 50% of U.S. adults reporting they are more concerned than excited about AI’s growing role in society. This shift represents a significant increase from 37% four years ago. While many appreciate AI’s usefulness, like assisting with everyday tasks, the fear that it will erode critical human abilities is widespread. Nearly 53% of respondents worry AI will weaken people’s creativity, while half believe it will harm their ability to form meaningful relationships.
The fear of AI’s long-term effects is particularly pronounced among younger generations, despite their higher exposure to the technology. Among those under 30, 61% believe that AI will make people less capable of thinking creatively, a sentiment shared by only 42% of those aged 65 and older. This generational divide underscores the complexity of the issue, where younger people, more familiar with the technology, express deeper skepticism about its benefits.
Trust Issues with AI Technologies
Trust remains a major concern for many Americans when it comes to AI. The Pew survey found that 76% of respondents believe it is crucial to distinguish between human and AI-generated content. However, more than half of those surveyed admit they lack the ability to tell the difference, highlighting the trust deficit surrounding AI.
This unease extends beyond the recognition of AI-generated content to a broader mistrust of AI companies and their motivations. The 2025 KPMG Global Trust Report also reveals a steady decline in public confidence in AI companies since 2022, further fueling concerns about how AI technologies are developed and controlled.
Calls for Stricter Regulations
The growing anxiety about AI’s influence on society is leading to calls for increased oversight. A Gallup-SCSP 2025 study found that 72% of Americans support stricter government regulation of AI technologies. This sentiment reflects the broader desire for more control over how AI is integrated into daily life. While many acknowledge the potential benefits of AI, there is widespread fear that, without regulation, its rapid advancement could result in unintended social consequences.
Americans are also drawing clear boundaries about AI’s role in personal matters. A significant majority—73%—believe AI should have no role in advising individuals on spiritual or religious matters, and two-thirds reject AI involvement in assessing romantic compatibility. This highlights the desire for human control over areas where personal values and relationships are central.
The Future of AI: A Balancing Act
Despite the concerns, the survey indicates that many Americans still see AI as an inevitable part of the future. While there is a demand for more regulation and control, there is also an understanding that AI can bring benefits in fields like medicine, weather forecasting, and crime detection. The challenge moving forward will be finding a balance between leveraging AI’s capabilities while safeguarding human creativity, relationships, and critical thinking.
The debate over AI’s role in society is far from settled. As technology continues to evolve, so too will public opinion, with many Americans hoping that future advancements will prioritize human well-being alongside technological progress.
