Comprehensive study reveals population perspectives on the personal, societal, and economic impacts of AI as the technology becomes a mainstay in daily life
MARCH 31, 2026 – Metrigy has released its inaugural AI Sentiment Index – 1Q 2026, exploring the complex relationship between the public and rapidly evolving AI technologies. Although many users feel AI has already made them “better off,” there is a significant fracture in expectations for the next decade, with nearly 35% of respondents anticipating a period of widespread instability and problems.
Sentiment around AI is defined by a generational divide. The 35-44 age group has emerged as the technology’s “power users”—with 65.5% using these tools daily or weekly. Meanwhile the 65+ demographic remains largely untouched, with more than half reporting that the technology has had no effect on their lives.
Furthermore, almost half of the total population views generative AI as a fundamental shift akin to the invention of the smartphone, yet nearly 48% feel the current pace of development is moving too fast.
“AI is reaching its ‘smartphone moment,’ but the public is still deciding if that’s a promise or a threat,” says Matt Craig, Sr. Director of Product Marketing at Metrigy. “While 35-to-44-year-olds are optimistic and diving in as daily power users, the youngest cohort is cautiously fearing a decade of instability.”
Artificial Intelligence Sentiment Index – 1Q 2026 research study explores how various demographics are integrating AI into their lives and careers. Key coverage areas include:
- Generational Sentiment: Age is highly correlated with adoption, with the youngest cohort showing more long-term pessimism, those in their 30s and 40s extremely optimistic, and older generations expressing the highest levels of skepticism.
- Emotional Complexity: There is no single dominant emotion toward AI; instead, the public is balanced between skepticism, curiosity, and hope, with a direct correlation between higher education levels and positive outlooks. Gender, however, plays a role here: Women index higher on skepticism and fear and men display higher levels of excitement and hope.
- Primary Use Cases: Consumers are primarily utilizing AI for research and personal tasks, though a significant portion now uses it for creative and professional work.
- Workplace Adoption: A significant gap exists in corporate oversight, as more than 60% of employees using AI at work began doing so on their own, with only 28% doing so with employer consent. Meanwhile, job security is a significant point of contention
“AI is changing our lives almost daily, so it’s vital to track how consumer sentiment is changing over time,” says Metrigy CEO Robin Gareiss. “Understanding people’s perspectives on how they use AI, what they fear or like about it, how it affects them emotionally, and what it means for their livelihood are paramount to any business, educational institution, or government agency moving forward–and this research will provide that crucial information.”
The study involves a representative sampling of 1,000 U.S.-based consumers and will be conducted quarterly. Now that the baseline index is set, subsequent quarters will identify areas that are changing and in which direction.
The full Artificial Intelligence Sentiment Index – 1Q 2026 release is available now. To download a copy, please visit www.metrigy.com.
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About Metrigy: Metrigy is an innovative research and advisory firm focusing on the rapidly changing areas of artificial intelligence, customer experience, and workplace collaboration—along with several related technologies, including knowledge management, security, and workforce engagement management. Metrigy conducts research with business leaders, consumers, and technology vendors. Our analysts deliver strategic guidance and informative content, backed by primary research metrics, indexes, and analysis, for technology providers and enterprise organizations.
