As more Americans adopt AI tools, fewer say they can trust the results

A growing number of Americans are integrating artificial intelligence into their everyday tasks, including research, writing, and data analysis. However, a new Quinnipiac University poll reveals a significant gap between usage and trust in these technologies. Out of nearly 1,400 respondents, an overwhelming 76% expressed distrust toward AI, indicating they rely on it rarely or only sometimes. In contrast, just 21% reported a high level of trust in AI-generated information. Chetan Jaiswal, a computer science professor at Quinnipiac, highlighted this contradiction, noting that while 51% of participants engage with AI for various purposes, a mere 21% feel confident in its outputs. The hesitance surrounding AI may stem from apprehensions about its future implications. The poll indicated that only 6% of Americans are "very excited" about AI, while a substantial 62% feel indifferent or negative about it. Concerns about AI are widespread, with 80% of participants expressing varying degrees of worry. Millennials and Baby Boomers emerged as the most anxious demographics, closely followed by Gen Z. A notable 55% of respondents believe AI will do more harm than good in their lives, with only a third expecting a net positive impact. Furthermore, public sentiment regarding AI has soured compared to previous years, particularly following significant events such as tech layoffs and alarming incidents involving AI. The survey also revealed strong opposition to the establishment of AI data centers, with 65% against their construction due to worries about energy consumption and costs. A majority of respondents (70%) predict that advances in AI will reduce job availability, contrasting sharply with only 7% who foresee job creation. This is a notable shift from last year when 56% believed AI would lead to job losses. Among younger Americans, particularly those in Gen Z, pessimism reigns, with 81% anticipating job reductions. This sentiment is supported by a 35% decline in entry-level job postings since 2023, alongside warnings from industry leaders about job displacement due to AI. Interestingly, while many Americans are worried about AI's overall impact on employment, they generally do not believe their own jobs are at immediate risk. Only 30% of employed individuals expressed concern that AI could render their positions obsolete, an increase from 21% in the previous year. A major factor contributing to the overall distrust in AI is the perception that companies are lacking transparency about their AI practices. Two-thirds of respondents feel businesses are not sufficiently clear about their use of AI, and a similar percentage believes the government is falling short in regulating the industry. This sentiment arises as states seek to assert their authority over AI governance amid federal efforts to limit state regulation. "Americans are not outright rejecting AI, but they are sending a clear message of caution," noted Tamilla Triantoro, a business analytics professor. "There is too much uncertainty, a lack of trust, insufficient regulation, and growing fears about job security."