How US Adults Are Using AI, According to AP-NORC Polling

July 30, 2025

A recent AP-NORC poll reveals that 60% of Americans use AI for information searches, with higher usage (74%) among adults under 30. The survey shows significant generational differences in AI adoption, with younger adults more likely to use AI for brainstorming and work tasks. While AI has become common for information searches, fewer Americans employ it for work tasks (40%), email writing, image creation, or shopping.

Who is affected

American adults of different age groups, particularly those under 30 compared to those over 60
Workers who use or don't use AI for professional tasks
Consumers using AI for everyday activities like meal planning, shopping, or information searches
Specific individuals mentioned in the article like Courtney Thayer (audiologist) and Sanaa Wilson (freelance data scientist)

What action is being taken

60% of Americans are using AI to find information at least some of the time
Approximately 40% of Americans are using AI for work tasks
About one-third of Americans are using AI to help write emails, create/edit images, or for entertainment
Young adults are actively using AI for brainstorming ideas, with about 60% of those under 30 doing so
Google is automatically providing AI-generated responses at the top of search results

Why it matters

The poll demonstrates both the growing integration of AI in everyday life and its current limitations
Significant generational divides in AI adoption suggest changing patterns of technology use
Despite tech industry promises about AI productivity tools, most Americans' livelihoods remain untouched by AI
The higher adoption rates among younger Americans indicate potential for broader AI usage in the future
The findings show varying levels of trust in AI across different applications, with people being more skeptical about AI for important or specialized information

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint