Younger People’s Pessimism Concerning AI is Growing

Colleen McClain and Eugenie Park at Pew Research Center: Today, 52% of Americans say they are more concerned than excited about the increased use of AI in daily life – up from 37% in 2021. Another 9% are more excited than concerned and 37% say they’re equally excited and concerned, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted June 22-28, 2026. Concern about AI for Americans over the age of 30 has been relatively stable, but not for people in their 20s and teens: For the first time, a majority of adults under 30 (55%) now say they’re more concerned than excited about AI. About one-in-ten say they’re more excited than concerned, and roughly a third feel both equally. Their concern is now on par with those in their 30s and 40s, and those 65 and up. Across age groups, about half or more say they’re more concerned than excited about AI. Excitement, in turn, has dropped off since 2021 among all age groups. It’s incredible how badly AI companies have blown it from a PR perspective.