Americans and AI 2026: Chatbots, Smart Devices and Views on Impact
More Americans are using chatbots, and some are adopting AI summaries and smart speakers. But views about AI and how fast it’s advancing tilt negative – even for younger adults.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
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Colleen McClain
Senior Researcher
Colleen McClain is a senior researcher focusing on internet and technology research at Pew Research Center.
Publications
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How Americans view data centers’ impact in key areas, from the environment to jobs
More Americans say data centers have a negative effect on the environment, home energy costs and people’s quality of life nearby than say they have a positive effect.
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8 facts about Americans and TikTok
In the wake of TikTok’s deal to make its U.S. operations backed largely by non-Chinese investors, here’s what we know about Americans and TikTok.
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How Teens Use and View AI
Just over half of U.S. teens say they’ve used chatbots for help with schoolwork, and 12% say they’ve gotten emotional support from these tools. Teens tend to view AI’s future impact on their lives more positively than negatively.
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What we know about internet use, smartphone ownership and digital divides in the U.S.
Today, most Americans subscribe to home broadband internet and own a smartphone, while about four-in-ten say they’re online almost constantly.
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How Parents Manage Screen Time for Kids
About four-in-ten parents say they could be doing better at managing their kid’s screen time. A larger share – 58% – say they’re doing the best they can.
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83% of U.S. adults use streaming services, far fewer subscribe to cable or satellite TV
Americans’ use of streaming services varies by age and income, but it’s still relatively common across groups.
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34% of U.S. adults have used ChatGPT, about double the share in 2023
Use for work, to learn something new, or for entertainment has risen since March 2023. Adults under 30 are especially likely to use the chatbot in these ways.
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How the U.S. Public and AI Experts View Artificial Intelligence
These groups are far apart in their enthusiasm and predictions for AI, but both want more personal control and worry about too little regulation.
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Fewer Americans now support TikTok ban, see the platform as a national security threat than in spring 2023
The share of Americans who perceive TikTok as a national security threat has also dipped – from 59% in 2023 to 49% now.
