AI may be reshaping corporate America, but most Americans are not convinced it is good for them.
A new February 13–16, 2026 Economist/YouGov poll finds that while AI use is widespread, trust in the technology remains low, and fears about jobs and the economy are high.
About 63% of Americans say they have used AI, but only 23% say they use it regularly. Younger adults are far more likely than older Americans to have tried it.
Trust, however, is limited.
A majority of 58% say they do not trust AI much or do not trust it at all. Just 35% say they trust it a fair amount or a great deal. Younger Americans and Republicans are more likely to express trust than older adults, Democrats, or Independents. Even so, those who trust AI remain a minority across every age and party group.
The skepticism extends to the broader economy.
Americans are more likely to say AI will have a negative overall effect on the economy than a positive one, 45% versus 16%. Another 24% say its impact will be equally positive and negative. These views have not meaningfully changed since September 2025.
Job concerns are even more pronounced.
Nearly two-thirds, 63%, say AI will decrease the number of jobs available in the United States. Only 7% believe it will increase jobs, while 12% say it will have no effect. Those numbers are also largely unchanged from last fall.
Many Americans also question how aggressively companies are pursuing the technology.
A majority of 54% say companies are investing too much in AI. Twenty-two percent say the level of investment is about right, and only 4% think companies are investing too little.
Taken together, the findings suggest that while AI adoption is growing, public confidence has not kept pace, creating a widening gap between corporate enthusiasm and voter sentiment.
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