13 July 2026

Why Americans Are Wary of AI

Project Syndicate  |  Ngaire Woods

Most Americans are skeptical and fearful of AI, with public concern rising faster than chatbot adoption. According to the Pew Research Center, 37% of Americans were more concerned than excited about AI in 2021; by 2023, that figure had risen to 52%. This increasing apprehension is significantly linked to declining trust in government institutions responsible for regulating AI, making it harder for the tech industry to persuade people to embrace the technology.

The author highlights that public acceptance of AI is intrinsically tied to the perceived trustworthiness of regulatory bodies, suggesting that without robust, transparent, and trusted governance, widespread adoption will remain challenging. Therefore, addressing the erosion of public trust in government is crucial for fostering confidence in AI's development and deployment, particularly as the technology becomes more pervasive across sectors.

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