Pew Survey Reveals Stark Contrast Between Public and Expert Views on AI’s Future Impact

A recent Pew Research Center study highlights a growing divide between artificial intelligence (AI) experts and the general American public regarding AI’s long-term societal effects. While 56% of AI professionals expect a positive impact over the next two decades, only 17% of the public shares this view. In contrast, 35% of Americans believe AI will have a negative impact, compared to just 15% of experts. Key concerns among the public include job displacement, especially in fields like cashiering and journalism, while experts foresee significant shifts in job roles rather than complete elimination. Truck driving was noted as a particularly vulnerable occupation by both groups.

Despite the increasing presence of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, AI has yet to be widely adopted in the workplace, with only a sixth of U.S. workers reporting usage. Public skepticism also extends to AI integrations in consumer tech, as seen in lukewarm responses to smartphone features. Both experts and the public agree on the need for more personal control over AI and better government oversight. Concerns about misinformation, impersonation, and data misuse were common. Experts remain hopeful about AI’s potential in areas like healthcare, but overall, Americans appear more anxious than excited about its expanding role.