Why People Are Cooler About A.I. Than Tech Leaders Expect

Public feelings about artificial intelligence are mixed, and many people worry more than they feel excited. Large surveys show that a greater share of adults are concerned about AI’s effects on jobs, news and privacy, while experts are more likely to expect benefits. Although awareness has grown, trust in companies to manage AI responsibly is limited and many people want more control and rules. Women and some groups report higher worry, and only a small minority of adults say they are mainly excited about AI.

Investment in AI remains large even as some investors have become selective. Global venture funding topped $100 billion in the second quarter of 2025, but overall deal volume fell to a decade low and money concentrated in very large raises. Workplace use of AI has also grown: reported use at work nearly doubled in two years, yet adoption is uneven and many workers still do not use AI. While technology leaders remain optimistic, public caution has reduced the kind of mass enthusiasm that came with the dot-com era.