US Public Trust in AI Plummets as Familiarity Grows, Gallup Poll Finds

Americans are becoming increasingly skeptical of artificial intelligence even as they become more familiar with it. A 2026 survey conducted by Bentley University and Gallup indicates that the period of growing comfort with AI has ended, replaced by a rising tide of distrust and economic anxiety.

According to the data, 39% of Americans now believe AI does more harm than good, a significant jump from 31% in 2025. This skepticism is coupled with a sharp decline in corporate trust; only 27% of respondents believe businesses will use AI responsibly, down from 31% a year prior. The shift is most pronounced among young adults aged 18-29, where 47% now view the technology as more harmful than beneficial, up from 36% in 2025. Political divisions also persist; while Republicans remain the most trusting group, they experienced the steepest decline, falling from 41% to 35% trust year-over-year.

A Reversal of Sentiment

This downturn follows a trend from 2023 to 2025 where the American public generally became more comfortable with AI. However, the 2026 findings suggest that increased exposure is no longer driving acceptance. In fact, 70% of Americans now report being somewhat or extremely knowledgeable about AI, an increase from 64% in 2024. As the technology has moved from a novelty to a workplace reality, the correlation between knowledge and trust has inverted.

The Economic Toll

Central to this decline is a deepening fear of economic displacement. The survey found that 79% of Americans believe AI will reduce the total number of U.S. jobs over the next decade, an increase from 73% in 2025. This anxiety is particularly acute among mid-career professionals and the youth, who face an uncertain entry into a shifting labor market. The Gallup report notes that while familiarity has grown, Americans’ previously improving attitudes toward AI have lost momentum.

Industry Implications

For the AI industry, these figures signal a critical optics problem. Companies are aggressively integrating AI into consumer products and corporate workflows at a time when the public is increasingly wary of their motives. The sharp rise in negativity among Gen Z is especially concerning for the tech sector, as this demographic represents both the future workforce and the primary long-term consumer base. If the industry cannot address these concerns regarding responsibility and job security, it risks a systemic backlash.

What to Watch

As businesses continue to deploy AI at scale, the gap between corporate implementation and public trust will be a key metric for the technology's social license to operate. It remains to be seen whether legislative guardrails or corporate transparency initiatives can reverse this trend, or if the growing familiarity with AI will continue to fuel skepticism.