A new survey released Tuesday shows that most U. S. adults under 35 now distrust artificial intelligence and doubt the motives of the tech moguls who promote it. The poll, conducted online in June, sampled 2,000 young Americans across the country.
Researchers found that 48 % of respondents believe AI will cause more harm than good, a sharp rise from 32 % two years earlier. Participants cited privacy erosion, job displacement, and opaque decision‑making as primary worries. The study also revealed that confidence in billionaire advocates such as Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg has slipped dramatically among this cohort.
The data points to a growing sense of alienation from the AI narrative. Younger respondents said they feel excluded from conversations about AI policy and development. „We see headlines about AI breakthroughs, but we rarely hear how it will affect our daily lives,” one 24‑year‑old respondent explained. The survey noted that 57 % of participants have reduced their use of AI‑powered services, such as chatbots and recommendation engines, after learning about data‑collection practices. Moreover, a notable portion expressed concern that AI could reinforce existing social biases, echoing earlier academic warnings about algorithmic discrimination.
Tech magnates have long painted AI as a universal good, promising economic growth and societal progress. Yet the latest poll suggests their message is losing resonance. Only 22 % of young adults said they trust the intentions of billionaire investors in AI, down from 38 % in the previous survey cycle. Analysts argue that repeated controversies—ranging from deep‑fake scandals to high‑profile data breaches—have eroded credibility. „When the same names keep urging us to embrace AI without addressing real concerns, skepticism becomes inevitable,” said a senior analyst at a public‑policy think tank.
The fallout could reshape the industry’s outreach strategies. Companies may need to adopt more transparent practices, involve diverse stakeholder groups, and address ethical concerns head‑on to regain trust. If the trend continues, regulatory pressure could increase, prompting stricter oversight of AI deployment in consumer products.
What age group was surveyed? The poll focused on Americans aged 18 to 34, capturing both Millennials and Gen Z perspectives.
Why do young people distrust AI more now? Increasing awareness of privacy risks, job‑automation fears, and high‑profile AI failures have amplified skepticism among younger users.
Will billionaire advocates change their approach? Experts suggest they may need to shift toward genuine engagement, clearer accountability, and concrete safeguards to rebuild credibility.