AI ANXIETY SURGES: 52% OF AMERICANS WARY

The shift reflects growing skepticism about artificial intelligence integration into everyday activities. The 15-percentage-point increase since 2021 signals a marked change in public sentiment as AI systems become more visible in consumer products, workplace tools, and digital services. Young adults, typically early adopters of new technology, express heightened concern. The 55% anxiety rate among those under 30 suggests demographic divides in AI acceptance, challenging assumptions that younger users would embrace the technology more readily. The survey captures a broader pattern: as AI moves from abstract concept to practical application, American confidence hasn't kept pace with adoption. Privacy risks, job displacement concerns, and data security questions likely drive the shift. Pew's findings come amid ongoing regulatory debates and corporate AI rollouts. The data provides a baseline for policymakers weighing public trust against innovation momentum.