AI Sceptics: Mapping Consumers’ AI Anxieties

Published 03 August 2026

Author

8 min read

When it comes to AI (artificial intelligence), scepticism runs alongside excitement. Globally, 52% of consumers say AI makes them nervous, while 53% admit to being excited (Stanford, 2026). But hesitancy isn’t uniform: AI anxieties range from potential job losses and environmental harm to the erosion of social skills. We examine AI scepticism and how brands can support AI-hesitant consumers.

Distrust, Nerves, Anxiety

Workers’ Worries

AI & Creative Backlash

AI’s Impact on Relationships

AI enthusiasm and unease are growing side by side. Adoption keeps rising, but so do nerves and hesitation, stemming from doubts over privacy concerns, environmental harm and distrust in regulation. Opinions vary wildly by region: Asian consumers are the most excited, while those in the West have the greatest doubts.

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AI is unsettling many employees. Some fear job displacement, others worry that adoption will lead to low-quality work. Refusing to use AI for work tasks can carry career risk, with certain firms mandating AI use and even prepared to fire AI resisters. However, numerous companies are reconsidering their enthusiasm, as AI is becoming more expensive than some employees.

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Creatives are pushing back against AI on several fronts, from copyright issues to human inventiveness. Increasingly, artists are providing proof of authorship by illuminating their behind-the-scenes processes and spotlighting the imperfections innate to human-produced work. Consumers are also pushing back, demanding AI use disclosure and favouring brands that prioritise human-only work when it comes to creativity.

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Many consumers agree that social connection shouldn’t be outsourced to AI, even though it’s increasingly used to ease loneliness or smooth difficult conversations. For some sceptics, this influences who they date or befriend. Meanwhile, apprehension about AI companionship remains rife, but many young people turn to chatbots for emotional support and guidance despite distrusting the advice received.

AI Sceptics: Mapping Consumers’ AI Anxieties

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Topics

AI & Robotics

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