Many People Severely Addicted, Powerless Under AI's Colonisation

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is increasingly encroaching on daily life. More people are relying on AI to boost work productivity, even for the simplest tasks like replying to emails and creating social media content. AI is no longer a technology of the future. Its presence has transformed all sectors of life, from health and education to work and entertainment.

The latest research from Pew Research shows that United States (US) citizens are using AI chatbots more intensively. About half (49%) of adults in the US admit to using AI chatbots. That figure is up from ‘only’ 33% in 2024. Some people are integrating AI into their household devices, through smart speakers, smart doorbells, and temperature control tools with AI features.

More specifically regarding chatbot AI usage, the majority of US citizens rely on it to search for information (42%) and assist with professional work-related tasks (38%). Additionally, many use chatbot AI for entertainment (25%), creating/editing photos/videos (24%), requesting health recommendations (20%), getting information related to diet and fitness (20%), and searching for the latest news (13%).

In fact, not a few utilise chatbot AI as a friend to confide in. The report states that 1-in-10 respondents in the US admit to using chatbot AI for emotional support and as a chatting companion. Of the respondents studied, 24% admitted to using chatbot AI every day, with 4% using it constantly. Meanwhile, 25% admitted to using chatbot AI once a week or less.

The most widely used chatbot in 2026 is ChatGPT, at 44%. This figure increased from 34% in 2024. Sequentially, other tools that are also widely used are Gemini (24%), Copilot (17%), Meta AI (14%), Grok (8%), Claude (6%), and Character.ai (3%). Adults under 50 are more intensive users of chatbot AI, at 57% compared to 28% from the age group over 50.

Although more US adults are addicted to chatbot AI, they do not deny the negative impacts AI has on society and their personal lives. More specifically, 40% of respondents predict AI will have a bad impact on society, and only 16% predict a positive impact. Meanwhile, 31% assess that AI will have a bad impact on them personally, and only 23% believe it will provide benefits.

As many as 63% of respondents feel AI development is too fast. Only 2% feel AI development is too slow, while 19% assess the pace of AI development as reasonable. A total of 67% of US adults doubt the government will regulate AI effectively. This figure is up from 62% in 2024, when asked the same question. When asked about the responsibility of AI developers, 6-in-10 expressed doubt that technology companies are developing and using AI tools responsibly and ethically.