A recent Gallup survey commissioned by Microsoft reveals that despite the widespread use of AI for daily activities in the United States, most Americans remain apprehensive about the technology. About 68% of daily AI users in the U.S. expressed worry, with overall anxiety reaching 74% among the general population. This discomfort persists amid ongoing debates around AI safety, regulatory concerns, and the potential negative impacts of AI on employment and privacy. The study highlights a complex public attitude where frequent use does not necessarily translate into trust or enthusiasm.

The survey collected data from 37 countries between April and July 2026, involving around 1,000 participants per country, and will eventually cover 140 nations. The U.S. stands out as particularly uneasy about AI compared to other Western countries, many of which also show combined trends of frequent AI use paired with significant concern. For example, in Canada, 64% of people aware of AI worried about its effects, even though nearly a third reported daily use. These unease levels reflect broader societal issues such as job disruptions from AI-driven layoffs and concerns over AI’s accuracy and ethical implications.

In contrast, the survey found more optimism about AI in parts of Asia, including Singapore and China, where high adoption rates coincide with expectations that AI will improve everyday life and benefit the country. In Singapore, for instance, 46% of people use AI daily and a majority see it as helpful. Nevertheless, even in more positive regions, skepticism exists, especially among less frequent users who remain doubtful about the reliability of AI-generated information. Overall, only about 36% of respondents globally reported strong trust in AI’s accuracy.

The report underscores that public sentiment toward AI is multifaceted, mixing curiosity and hope with significant worry and skepticism. This suggests that simply increasing exposure to AI will not alleviate concerns or reduce calls for stricter regulations. As AI continues to expand its footprint in sectors like hiring, healthcare, and education, the study points to a growing divide between the technology’s potential and the public’s demand for responsible oversight. The findings arrive at a critical moment, with AI safety increasingly prominent on international political agendas and industry discussions.