Americans Seek Greater Control Over AI in Daily Life, Pew Survey Finds
Key Points
- Six in ten Americans want more control over AI usage.
- Over half feel they have little or no control over AI in their lives.
- Public comfort is higher for AI in functional areas like weather forecasts and fraud detection.
- AI in personal domains such as relationships and creativity is largely rejected.
- Half of adults are more concerned than excited about AI's daily role.
- A large majority consider clear labeling of AI‑generated content very important.
- Calls for transparent off‑switches and user-friendly controls are growing.
- Lawmakers are considering regulations on AI transparency, safety, and consent.
A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that a majority of Americans want more control over how artificial intelligence is used in their everyday lives. While many accept AI in areas like weather forecasts and fraud detection, respondents express discomfort with AI in personal realms such as relationships and creativity. The poll highlights a growing "AI control gap," with roughly half of adults feeling more concerned than excited about AI's expanding role. The findings suggest that clearer opt‑out mechanisms and transparency could be key to building public trust as AI becomes more embedded in consumer devices and online services.
AI’s Expanding Role in Everyday Life
Artificial intelligence now powers a wide range of everyday experiences, from music recommendations on streaming platforms and AI‑written emails to classroom tools and workplace applications. The technology also underpins critical services such as weather forecasting, financial fraud detection, and drug research, areas where many Americans feel comfortable with AI involvement.
Public Desire for Greater Transparency and Choice
The Pew Research Center report shows a clear demand for increased personal control over AI. Approximately six out of ten adults want more say in how AI is used, while over half say they have little or no control. Only a small fraction feel they have a great deal of control. Respondents also indicated that it is very important to know whether content is generated by AI or a human, with a large majority emphasizing this need.
Comfort Zones vs. Personal Domains
Survey participants are more accepting of AI in functional, less personal contexts like forecasting and security. In contrast, they overwhelmingly prefer to keep AI at arm’s length in intimate aspects of life, including relationships, spirituality, and creative thinking. This distinction underscores an "AI control gap" where the perceived ability to opt out is shrinking.
Growing Concerns and Shifting Attitudes
Half of Americans report being more concerned than excited about AI’s role in daily life, a sentiment that has risen by more than ten percentage points since 2021. While many recognize AI’s benefits, they also rate its risks as high, indicating a cautious outlook.
Calls for Better Controls and Transparency
Unlike familiar toggles for ad tracking or location services, tools to manage AI usage are less visible, contributing to public skepticism. Respondents suggest that clearer off‑switches and transparent choices are essential for trust. Lawmakers are also weighing regulations focused on transparency, safety, and consent as AI continues to embed itself in consumer devices and online platforms, including Apple’s recent "AI‑powered" iPhones and Google’s chatbot‑summarized search results.
Implications for Companies and Policymakers
The findings indicate that companies seeking public trust must prioritize user agency over AI interactions. Providing accessible controls and clear labeling of AI‑generated content could help bridge the control gap and address growing concerns about the inevitability of AI in everyday life.