Americans Express Widespread Distrust in AI, Favoring Human Interaction

A significant majority of Americans, 86%, report a lack of full trust in artificial intelligence, with many preferring to consult original sources or human experts, according to a recent survey. This distrust is particularly pronounced when AI-generated answers lack clear attribution for their origin, a concern cited by 42% of respondents. This figure exceeds anxieties about other complex information, such as medical bills (18%), legal documents (17%), and airline fees (10%).

Beyond the unreliability of AI, a substantial portion of the public, 75%, expresses apprehension that online information is being controlled by a small number of corporations. A strong majority, 81%, believes that information online should remain openly accessible rather than behind paywalls or owned by large entities.

The poll, commissioned by WordPress VIP and conducted by Talker Research, also highlighted a preference for human interaction. When seeking help on a business's website, 75% of Americans find human interaction more valuable than AI. Despite the increasing prevalence of AI, 56% of individuals feel confident in their ability to distinguish between human and AI interactions.

Furthermore, when it comes to businesses effectively utilizing AI in their brand messaging, a majority (61%) are unsure or believe no company is using it well. Only about a quarter of respondents could name a business they felt used AI effectively.

Reflecting on the evolution of the internet, three out of four Americans feel that online interactions have become less human compared to a decade ago. On average, individuals estimate that 55% of their internet interactions and 54% of their interactions on business websites involve AI. Social media users frequently encounter AI or bots, with 92% reporting such encounters, and 63% experiencing them often. The fatigue from encountering AI-generated content sets in quickly, with users typically feeling tired of it after 40 minutes.

Industry Perspectives on AI and Content

Industry professionals also acknowledge the challenges and importance of trust and visibility in the age of AI. Steph Yiu, CEO of WordPress VIP, stated that brands can no longer separate visibility from trust. "If people cannot understand where information came from or connect it back to a brand they trust, being visible is not enough," Yiu noted. She emphasized the need for companies to provide digital experiences that offer audience control and maintain direct relationships, with the website serving as a crucial platform for context and trust-building.

A separate poll of 800 U.S. marketing executives and digital experience experts revealed similar concerns. Three-quarters of these professionals (74%) consider it a primary or significant priority to ensure their organization's website content is discoverable and clearly attributed when surfaced by AI search engines. Additionally, 91% believe it is important for their content to have a more human tone.

Misinformation stemming from AI-generated responses is a significant worry for nearly 40% of marketing executives. They also perceive a risk to their online presence, with 69% believing their website will become invisible to AI search engines if content is not openly available and structured for public access. Brian Alvey, CTO of WordPress VIP, commented on the evolving landscape, stating, "Now you have to build websites for AI agents acting on behalf of those people. If your site’s content isn’t legible to AI, you are invisible to a growing share of how people search. You don’t exist."