Pew survey: 68% of daily AI users express concerns about technology

A Pew Research Center survey released Tuesday shows that 68 percent of Americans who use generative‑AI tools every day also say they are “very” or “somewhat” worried about the technology, and 57 percent back stronger federal regulation despite their frequent use. The poll, conducted in March among 4,500 adults, found that daily users of ChatGPT, DALL‑E, and similar services are no less anxious than occasional users, contradicting the assumption that familiarity eases fear.

The findings come as AI adoption has surged across work and home. In the past year, usage of large‑language models rose from 25 percent to more than 60 percent of U.S. adults, according to a separate Gallup poll. At the same time, high‑profile incidents—deep‑fake videos spreading misinformation, biased hiring algorithms, and a recent lawsuit over copyrighted art generated by AI—have sparked public debate. Lawmakers in Washington have responded with the bipartisan “SAFE AI Act,” which would require transparency disclosures and risk assessments for powerful models. Consumer groups, such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation, have urged the bill to include robust privacy safeguards.

Industry leaders acknowledge the tension. OpenAI’s chief scientist warned that “rapid deployment without oversight can erode trust,” while a spokesperson for Microsoft said the company is “committed to working with regulators to shape responsible AI standards.” Analysts predict that the survey’s results will pressure Congress to move faster on the SAFE AI Act, and could spur tech firms to adopt voluntary safety measures, such as watermarking AI‑generated content. If regulation tightens, companies may need to adjust product roadmaps, potentially slowing the rollout of new features. For users, the data suggests that daily interaction with AI will not alone allay concerns; public confidence will likely hinge on clear rules and visible safeguards.