Two in five Americans hold a more negative view of gen AI tools than they did a year ago

Global search for keyword ‘generative AI’ has surged, but opinions on them remain mixed. According to YouGov data, two in five Americans now hold a more negative view of these tools compared to how they felt a year ago (40%). While 16% say their view has improved, a notable portion (29%) report no change in their perception. This trend is seen across different generations, with gen Z showing a more favorable attitude (34%) compared to millennials (16%).

When it comes to businesses integrating AI into their products or services, opinions are divided. Just 5% of Americans say they would be more likely to buy from companies doing this, while 36% say they would be less likely to purchase from such companies. The largest group, 41%, feels indifferent, saying AI integration would not impact their buying decisions either way. These responses differ slightly across generations. Gen Z and millennials are somewhat more open to the idea, with 7% and 9% respectively, saying they would be more likely to buy from a company that integrates AI.

However, when it comes to comfort with relying on AI to complete tasks, there is some caution. Over half of Americans (54%) say they are uncomfortable relying on AI for their tasks, while 19% disagree with this statement. This shows a level of hesitation around using AI, despite the growing number of tools available. This hesitation may be one reason why some companies that adopt AI may not be seeing a positive response from consumers.

YouGov Surveys: Serviced provide quick survey results from nationally representative or targeted audiences in multiple markets. This study was conducted online on August 2024, with a nationally/ representative sample of 1,503 adults (aged 18+ years) in the US, using a questionnaire designed by YouGov. Data figures have been weighted by age, race, gender, education, and region to be representative of all adults in the US (18 years or older), and reflect the latest population estimates from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.