A new study reveals that while Americans see some benefits to artificial intelligence (AI), a majority remain wary of its growing role in society—particularly when it comes to its potential to erode creativity, human relationships, and personal autonomy.
While Americans acknowledge AI’s potential to assist in practical tasks, many remain deeply skeptical about its impact on core human traits such as creativity and connection.
The findings of a new Pew Research Center survey suggest a growing demand for transparency, ethical guardrails, and personal control over how AI is integrated into society.
Half of U.S. adults say they are more concerned than excited about the increased use of AI in daily life, up significantly from 37% in 2021, according to.
Only 10% express more excitement than concern, while 38% feel equally both. Most (57%) perceive the societal risks of AI as high, compared with just 25% who say the same of its benefits.
Asked why they view AI’s risks as high, the most frequently cited concern was its potential to weaken essential human skills and interpersonal connections.
A central theme in the survey is the widespread belief that AI could undermine human creativity and relationship-building:
- 53% of Americans say AI will worsen people’s ability to think creatively; only 16% believe it will improve it.
- Similarly, 50% believe AI will harm people’s ability to form meaningful relationships, compared with just 5% who see it enhancing that capacity.
- Views are more mixed on problem-solving: 29% say AI will improve this skill, while 38% say it will worsen it.
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Notably, a significant portion of respondents—between 16% and 20%—say they are unsure about AI’s impact on these specific abilities, highlighting uncertainty as AI technologies evolve.
While many Americans are open to using AI for routine tasks, 60% say they want more control over how AI is used in their lives. Only 17% are satisfied with the current level of control, and 21% remain unsure.
This desire for transparency extends to digital content. A strong majority (76%) say it is very or extremely important to know whether an image, video, or text was created by a person or AI.
Yet, 53% admit they do not feel confident in their own ability to make that distinction.
Americans see a role for AI in some areas of society but want more control over its use. About half say it’ll erode creative thinking. https://t.co/PV2gYtBLP2
— Pew Research Center (@pewresearch) September 18, 2025
Americans are more comfortable with AI in technical or analytical domains than in personal or emotional contexts:
- Majorities support AI playing at least a small role in tasks like weather forecasting (74%), financial crime detection (70%), fraud prevention (70%), drug development (66%), and criminal investigations (61%).
- By contrast, two-thirds or more oppose AI involvement in matchmaking (66%) or offering religious advice (73%).
No more than one-third of Americans support AI playing a major role in any of the areas surveyed.
Young adults are significantly more engaged with AI compared to older Americans. Among those under 30, 62% report hearing or reading a lot about AI, versus 32% of adults aged 65 and older. The generational awareness gap has widened since 2022.
Despite their greater exposure to AI, younger adults are more likely to express concern over its effects on creativity and human connection:
- 61% of adults under 30 believe AI will worsen creative thinking,
- 58% say it will harm people’s ability to form meaningful relationships.
These concerns are shared by a smaller proportion of older adults, with around four-in-ten Americans aged 65 and older expressing similar views.
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Huma Nisar is Associate Editor at Views and News. She also writes opinion articles on health, society and diet.
