A new Pew Research Center report reveals a striking divide between how AI experts and the American public view artificial intelligence and its growing role in daily life.
The nationwide study found that AI professionals are far more positive about the technology’s impact. Over half of AI experts (56%) believe AI will have a positive impact on the U.S. over the next 20 years. Only 17% of U.S. adults share that optimism. In fact, more than half of Americans (51%) say they are more concerned than excited about AI’s rise, while just 15% of experts say the same.
The gap widens when it comes to personal benefits. Three-quarters of experts believe AI will help them personally. Only a quarter of Americans say the same, while 43% fear it will do them harm.
Concerns about AI’s effect on jobs are also sharply divided. Nearly two-thirds of Americans believe AI will lead to job losses. Only 39% of experts agree. Still, both groups expect major disruption in fields like journalism, manufacturing, and retail.
Despite these differences, the report identifies common ground. Both experts and the public want greater control over how AI is used in their lives. Most say the U.S. government isn’t doing enough to regulate the technology. Trust is also lacking in private companies to act responsibly, especially among university-affiliated experts.
Gender gaps persist in attitudes as well. Male experts are significantly more optimistic about AI than their female peers. Just 36% of women experts believe AI will positively impact the country, compared to 63% of men. Women are also more likely to express concern over bias, data misuse, and underrepresentation in AI design.
That underrepresentation is a growing issue. Only 44% of experts say AI designers take women’s perspectives into account, and even fewer believe the views of Black or Hispanic people are well-represented. Most experts say White men dominate the field, and some warn that without change, AI will deepen existing inequalities.
Americans are also skeptical of AI’s role in elections and news. Just one in ten believe it will improve those areas. Most see AI as a risk to jobs, privacy, and human connection.
The survey included responses from 5,410 U.S. adults and 1,013 AI experts, along with 30 in-depth interviews. While the expert views reflect only those who responded, the findings highlight a widening perception gap between technologists and the public they aim to serve.
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