Major Trust Gap Emerges Between AI Experts and American Public, New Studies Reveal

Summary

Two major research reports released in April 2025—from the Pew Research Center and Gallup in partnership with the Walton Family Foundation—expose a sharp divide in how artificial intelligence is perceived. While AI experts express optimism about the technology's future, the broader American public views AI with deep skepticism and distrust. Pew's survey of over 1,000 AI experts and 5,000+ U.S. adults found that roughly three-quarters of experts believe AI will personally benefit them, compared to just a quarter of the general public. The divide extends to employment: experts think AI will enhance jobs, while the public fears job displacement.

The research reveals widespread public distrust in both government and corporate regulation of AI. More than half of both groups say they want greater control over how AI is used in their lives, and majorities across both populations believe neither governments nor private companies can be trusted to regulate AI responsibly. This skepticism reflects Congress's demonstrated inability to meaningfully oversee the technology—lawmakers have held "theatrical hearings where they fumble through questions" about innovations they're tasked with regulating. Nearly 60 percent of American adults report having little or no control over whether AI is deployed in their lives.

Gen Z presents a particularly revealing case study. A Gallup survey found that 79 percent of Gen Z users engage with AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot, with nearly half using them weekly. Yet despite high engagement levels, anxiety dominates their sentiment: 41 percent say AI makes them feel anxious compared to 36 percent who feel excited, and only 27 percent feel hopeful. The research also underscores persistent diversity gaps in AI development—both experts and the public agree that AI systems reflect the perspectives of white men far more than women and underrepresented communities.

• Gen Z paradox: 79% of Gen Z uses AI tools regularly, yet 41% feel anxious vs. 36% excited about the technology
• Diversity concerns: Both researchers and public agree AI design disproportionately reflects white male perspectives

Editorial Opinion

These studies expose a dangerous credibility gap in the AI industry. Tech leaders boldly promise transformative breakthroughs while the public increasingly views such claims with justified skepticism. Congressional failure to meaningfully regulate AI, combined with legitimate concerns about job displacement and the persistence of demographic bias in AI systems, have created a population that feels locked out of shaping its technological future. Until the industry and government demonstrate genuine commitment to building AI responsibly and incorporating diverse perspectives, this trust deficit will likely deepen—with serious implications for public adoption and support.