AI was supposed to win people over by now — it hasn’t
techcrunch ·
Despite technological progress, AI's public reputation is worsening. A Pew Research study found 52% of Americans are more concerned than excited about AI's increased use in daily life, up from 37% in 2021, while other polls show distrust of AI leaders and a belief that AI is advancing too quickly. This discontent is affecting tech companies financially, as they face PR crises over data center plans and must offer local perks like job guarantees and teacher bonuses. Consumers feel they are being asked to absorb AI's costs without seeing clear benefits, often viewing AI as intrusive features in everyday products, a tool for cheating, or a threat to human creativity. Unlike the iPhone or internet, AI is facing more backlash at a similar adoption stage, with young people turning to retro technology and offline activities. Industry leaders are acknowledging the problem; Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky noted the industry isn't shipping products regular people love, and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei called it a 'crisis of trust' stemming from unfulfilled promises. The article suggests the real issue may be that consumers understand AI well enough and simply don't think the trade-offs are worth it.
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