Americans turn negative on AI after two years of optimism

The shift in American sentiment toward AI marks a reversal of a two-year positive trend. What was once optimism about the technology has given way to concern as AI deployment has become tangible rather than abstract—moving from theoretical discussion into workplaces and classrooms where real people encounter it. The polling from Bentley University and Gallup captures a moment when the technology's presence has become undeniable, and skepticism has followed.

The data points to two distinct anxieties. First, there is the economic fear: nearly eight in 10 Americans expect job losses from AI over the next decade. Second, there is a trust deficit. Only 27% believe companies will use AI responsibly, a finding that suggests the public sees a gap between corporate interests and broader social benefit. The sharpness of the swing among younger adults (nearly 50% negative) indicates the skepticism is not confined to older, more tech-skeptical cohorts. The polling also notes that Americans widely disapprove of data centers, the infrastructure backbone of AI systems, which may reflect growing unease about the energy demands and physical footprint of the technology.