Pew Research finds majority of US adults refuse to use AI chatbots
Survey data shows 51% of Americans avoid chatbots, citing lack of interest rather than technical difficulty or social stigma as primary barriers.
Key points
- % of US adults report never using AI chatbots, making non-users the slight majority.
- % of non-users cite lack of interest as the main reason for avoiding the technology.
- % of abstainers say they are unlikely to adopt chatbots within the next 12 months.
Pew Research Center released findings indicating that a majority of United States adults do not use artificial intelligence chatbots. The survey reveals that 51% of respondents identify as non-users, establishing that chatbot adoption remains below the halfway mark across the general adult population. This data challenges assumptions that AI tools have achieved ubiquitous daily usage among American consumers.
The research highlights that resistance to chatbots is driven primarily by indifference rather than technical barriers. According to Pew, six in ten non-users cited a simple lack of interest as a major factor in their decision to abstain. This contrasts with other potential deterrents; fewer than a third of respondents claimed they did not know how to use the technology, and less than one in five worried about social stigma or what others might think of them for using such tools.
Demographic breakdown of usage
Usage patterns vary significantly by age, with younger adults showing higher engagement rates than older cohorts. Pew data shows that 66% of adults aged 18 to 29 use chatbots, the highest rate among all age groups surveyed. However, even within this demographic, one-third of respondents say they never use the tools. Among adults aged 50 to 64, 58% report not using chatbots, and roughly three-quarters of those aged 65 and older are non-users. About four in ten people under the age of 50 report not using the technology at all.
Racial and ethnic differences also appear in the adoption rates. The survey indicates that non-users are more likely to be white, Black, or Hispanic than Asian. This suggests that cultural or demographic factors may influence the hesitation to engage with conversational AI interfaces, though the specific reasons for these disparities were not detailed in the summary findings.
Future adoption trends
Despite the growing presence of AI in commercial products, current users and non-users show divergent future intentions. The Pew study found that two-thirds of those who do not currently use chatbots are unlikely to start doing so in the next 12 months. Specifically, 40% of non-users stated they are not at all likely to change their minds about using the technology. Only 5% of abstainers indicated they probably would try a chatbot over the coming year, while another 12% remained unsure about their future behavior.
The authors of the survey noted that negative past experiences with AI could be a contributing factor to this reluctance. They pointed to historical incidents, such as Microsoft’s controversial Tay chatbot from a decade ago, as potential reasons why some users remain put off by the technology. These historical precedents may have lasting effects on public trust and willingness to engage with new AI developments.
What should you do?
Security and technology professionals should monitor these adoption trends when planning user engagement strategies for AI features. Understanding that indifference, rather than skill gaps, drives non-use can help tailor communication and design efforts. Organizations deploying chatbot interfaces should focus on demonstrating clear utility and value to overcome the lack of interest cited by the majority of non-users. Additionally, privacy and accuracy concerns, while secondary to interest, remain relevant factors that may influence eventual adoption rates.
What to do and how to stay safe: Pew Research Center
- Review internal metrics to assess how chatbot usage correlates with user satisfaction and support ticket volumes.
- Survey your own customer base to identify whether lack of interest or technical barriers are the primary drivers of non-adoption.
- Ensure chatbot interfaces clearly communicate value propositions to address the indifference cited by Pew Research non-users.
- Monitor privacy settings and accuracy controls to mitigate the secondary concerns about data and answer quality mentioned in the report.
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of US adults do not use AI chatbots?
According to Pew Research Center, 51% of US adults say they never use AI chatbots.
Why do most people avoid using chatbots?
Six in ten non-users cite a lack of interest as the major reason for not using chatbots, rather than technical difficulty.
Are younger people more likely to use chatbots?
Yes, 66% of adults aged 18 to 29 use chatbots, compared to much lower rates for older age groups.
