Welcome to the forefront of conversational AI as we explore the fascinating world of AI chatbots in our dedicated blog series. Discover the latest advancements, applications, and strategies that propel the evolution of chatbot technology. From enhancing customer interactions to streamlining business processes, these articles delve into the innovative ways artificial intelligence is shaping the landscape of automated conversational agents. Whether you’re a business owner, developer, or simply intrigued by the future of interactive technology, join us on this journey to unravel the transformative power and endless possibilities of AI chatbots.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
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This study is Pew Research Center’s latest effort to explore how Americans use and view artificial intelligence (AI). The study also dives into who uses chatbots and has smart home devices with AI features. It also explores what impact people think AI will have on society and on them, personally.
The Center conducts research to inform the public, journalists and decision-makers. Tracking the rise of AI in society has been a key priority for us over the years. It’s important to understand how people use AI in their lives and how they feel these tools will impact themselves and society.
Learn more about Pew Research Center.
We surveyed 5,119 U.S. adults from Feb. 17 to 23, 2026. Everyone who took part in this survey is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP). The survey represents the views of the full U.S. adult population.
Here are the questions used for this report, the topline and the survey methodology.
Although chatbot use is rising in the United States, about half of U.S. adults say they never use one, according to Pew Research Center’s February survey of U.S. adults.
And for now, these non-users don’t feel like they’re missing out – most are not interested and have no plans to use chatbots soon.
This is part of a broader survey on Americans’ views of and experiences with artificial intelligence (AI). To learn more, read the report overview.
Older adults are often less likely to be the first adopters of new technologies. Chatbot use follows a similar pattern.
Roughly three-quarters of adults 65 and older say they never use chatbots. A smaller share – though still a majority – of those ages 50 to 64 say the same. Adults under 50 are the least likely to not use these tools. About four-in-ten or less report not using them.
Differences also exist by race and ethnicity. Non-adopters are more likely to be White, Black and Hispanic than Asian.
New technologies are rarely adopted equally across populations. As chatbots are spreading into the daily lives of many, some opt out by choice while others aren’t sure how to keep up.
To better understand what’s behind non-adoption, we asked those who don’t use these tools about five potential reasons they don’t use chatbots.
Majorities of those who don’t use chatbots say it’s due to lack of interest, privacy concerns, potential inaccuracies or not knowing how.
But there are differences in the degree to which they cite these reasons.
Six-in-ten non-adopters cite lack of interest as a major factor behind not using these tools. This is followed by concerns about data privacy and accuracy.
Less than a third point to not knowing how to use chatbots as a major reason why they don’t use it.
Few – less than one-in-five – cite fear of judgment as a reason for avoiding these tools.
Most who don’t use chatbots say they won’t use these tools in the near future.
Roughly seven-in-ten adults who don’t use chatbots say they’re unlikely to use the technology in the next 12 months. This includes 40% who say they’re not at all likely to.
Only 5% of chatbot non-users think it’s highly likely they’ll use a chatbot over the next year. Another 16% say they’re somewhat likely.
About one-in-ten say they’re not sure about whether they will use these tools or not.
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ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan, nonadvocacy fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It does not take policy positions. The Center conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, computational social science research and other data-driven research. Pew Research Center is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts, its primary funder.
© 2026 Pew Research Center
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