Americans and AI 2026: Chatbots, Smart Devices and Views on Impact

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s transforming everything from medicine to work to entertainment. At the same time, Americans are using chatbots more than ever before and some are bringing smart devices into their households, according to a new Pew Research Center survey of U.S. adults. THe key takeaways: 

• About half of U.S. adults now report using AI chatbots, up substantially from the summer of 2024. This includes roughly one-in-four who use these tools on daily basis.
• Some people are bringing AI into their homes. About a third of Americans say they have a smart speaker, and smaller shares have a doorbell or thermostat with AI features.
• But Americans—including younger adults—are deeply skeptical of AI. More adults predict that AI will have a negative rather than positive impact on them and on society. And majorities think AI is advancing too quickly and will put their personal information at risk.