A newly published study reports that just 16 percent of Americans expect artificial intelligence to have a positive effect on society — a stark contrast to the optimism dominant inside the tech industry. The finding points to a wide and potentially widening trust gap between AI developers and the general public. For companies deploying AI products at scale, the data represents a meaningful headwind around adoption, regulation, and social license to operate.
A new WordPress VIP survey reveals that 60% of U.S. consumers view explicit references to AI in brand messaging as a negative signal. The finding arrives as businesses are simultaneously increasing their investment in AI-powered search as a key customer acquisition channel. The disconnect highlights a deepening tension between corporate AI enthusiasm and everyday consumer sentiment.