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Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms and technologies have burst into our everyday lives over the past couple of years. Recently, SSRS and Project Liberty Institute collaborated to better understand Americans’ perceptions of Artificial Intelligence and the effects increased use of it might have on our society.

As of the October 2025 report, 56% of Americans believe increased use of AI will negatively impact people’s ability to form meaningful relationships with others. Concern is higher among those between the ages of 18 and 29. Fully 61% of young adults believe AI will hurt our ability to form meaningful relationships with others, far surpassing the 12% who say it will make this human function better. The finding may be somewhat surprising given the general tendency for younger Americans to be more open and amenable to new technologies.

Qualitative interviews with Americans further illustrate the concerns young people have regarding artificial intelligence and social connection. “I think people are social by nature and we need other people. I think it can make it harder for you to interact with other people if you’re just kind of relying on AI for those connections” (Christine, Female, daily AI user, 27). The broader report also explores opinions on how increasing use of AI will alter our ability to think creatively, make difficult decisions, and solve problems.

One thing about AI is certain, opinions and perceptions of this technology will change as it becomes further ingrained within our society. Edison Research and SSRS have a range of research capabilities to understand AI’s role in our society. AI survey questions featured above were fielded on the SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus. A subsample of respondents were then recruited to participate in follow-up qualitative interviews. The SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus is a national, twice-per-month, probability-based survey conducted on the SSRS Opinion Panel. Contact our team today to learn more about our research capabilities and opportunities within the SSRS Opinion Panel.

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