A new Pew Research Center study highlights a growing divide between the American public and artificial intelligence experts on how AI will shape the future, with significant differences in expectations, optimism, and concerns around jobs, regulation, and daily life. The report, released April 3, 2025, is based on surveys of more than 5,400 U.S. adults and over 1,000 AI professionals, alongside in-depth interviews with 30 experts across academia and industry.
One of the most striking contrasts is in how each group views the overall impact of AI. A majority of experts (56%) believe AI will have a very or somewhat positive effect on the United States over the next 20 years, compared to just 17% of the public. While 47% of AI experts say they are more excited than concerned about AI’s growing role in daily life, only 11% of the general public feel the same. Instead, over half of Americans (51%) say they are more concerned than excited.
AI’s effect on jobs is a flashpoint. Most Americans (64%) think AI will lead to fewer jobs in the next two decades. Experts are more divided: 39% predict job losses, while others point to opportunities for innovation and new roles. Still, both groups believe certain occupations—like cashiers, journalists, and factory workers—are at high risk. Public concern about job displacement is accompanied by fears of losing human connection in increasingly automated environments.
Trust remains a shared concern. Despite divergent levels of optimism, both AI experts and the public express deep skepticism about whether U.S. institutions can manage AI responsibly. Nearly identical shares—about 60% of both groups—say they lack confidence in U.S. companies to develop AI responsibly. Similarly, a majority of both groups worry that government regulation will fall short.
“There’s clear public demand for greater control over AI’s use,” said Colleen McClain, senior researcher and co-author of the report. 55% of U.S. adults and 57% of AI experts say they want more control over how AI is used in their lives. However, fewer than a quarter in either group feel they currently have meaningful control.
Gender differences also emerged. Male experts are much more likely to say they’re excited about AI and to believe it will benefit them personally—81 %, compared to 64 % of female experts. Similarly, only 27% of women experts believe their perspectives are well represented in AI design, versus 50% of men.
Representation gaps were also noted across race and ethnicity. Experts and the public alike believe that the experiences of White adults are better reflected in AI systems than those of Black, Hispanic, or Asian adults. Fewer than 30% of experts say the views of Black or Hispanic people are well accounted for in AI development.
When asked about regulation, both groups overwhelmingly prefer stricter oversight. Around six in ten say they’re more worried that the government will not regulate AI enough, rather than go too far. Yet, confidence in the government to enforce effective rules remains low, with 62% of the public and 53% of experts expressing little or no faith in lawmakers’ ability to keep up.
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in everything from healthcare to education to public services, the Pew report suggests a growing urgency to bridge the gap between technologists and the broader public. While experts see opportunities for AI to improve accuracy, efficiency, and productivity, the public remains wary—highlighting the need for greater transparency, education, and accountability.
The Pew study offers one clear takeaway: enthusiasm for AI’s potential exists, but only if development is done in a way that is inclusive, ethical, and rooted in public trust.
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