Asian American adults are more likely to use chatbots and express optimism about artificial intelligence than other racial or ethnic groups in the United States, a new Pew Research Center survey found. The pattern holds even after controlling for factors like gender, age, and income. The findings highlight persistent demographic divides in how Americans engage with and perceive AI.
The survey, conducted in February, polled over 5,000 U.S. adults. It reinforces a long-standing trend in technology adoption where race and ethnicity shape both usage and sentiment. Researchers note that Asian adults stand out not just for their chatbot use but also for a more hopeful view of AI's societal impact.
Across all groups, younger adults under 30 are the most likely to use chatbots. Yet that same cohort is the most skeptical about AI's future consequences, revealing a tension between early adoption and wariness. The study did not provide specific percentages for these demographic breakdowns.
These differences carry implications for product design and public policy. If certain communities adopt AI faster while others remain skeptical, the benefits and risks of the technology could be unevenly distributed. Companies and regulators may need to address these gaps to ensure equitable access and trust.
The survey did not explore why these racial and ethnic patterns emerge, leaving room for further research into the cultural and structural factors at play.