What we're testing.
Our methodology is grounded in a meta-analysis of major 2024-2025 research on AI sentiment. We're testing a specific hypothesis about how attitudes distribute across the workforce.
The Unstable Trimodal Distribution
AI sentiment in the workforce doesn't follow a simple binary (pro/anti) or normal distribution. Instead, it clusters into three distinct peaks:
The Resistance
Prioritizes caution, human values, and critical evaluation. Believes AI adoption requires careful guardrails.
The Pragmatic Middle
Simultaneously excited and concerned. Uses AI because they have to, while remaining wary of its implications.
The Accelerationists
Embraces AI as transformative opportunity. Prioritizes speed, innovation, and competitive advantage.
The Intensification Effect
This distribution is unstable. As people gain more exposure to AI, the pragmatic middle isn't disappearing—it's becoming conflictual. They're not neutral; they're simultaneously excited and terrified. USC's 2025 data shows the "equally concerned and excited" group grew from 43% to 48%. These Pragmatic Skeptics use AI because they must, while remaining deeply ambivalent. Understanding this tension is critical for organizational adoption strategies.
Who believes what.
AI Usage
Strongest PredictorHow often someone uses AI tools is the single strongest predictor of their sentiment cluster.
Gender Gap
15-point spreadResearch shows a consistent 15-point gender gap in both directions:
The Silicon Ceiling
Role HierarchyBCG's research reveals a stark divide between leadership and frontline workers:
Industry
Professional ContextUSC's research identified five professional "super-groups" with distinct AI attitudes:
Age
Generational PatternsAge correlates with sentiment in nuanced ways:
The research foundation.
Pew Research Center
September 2025 • n=5,023 U.S. adults
50% more concerned than excited about AI. 57% rate societal risks as high. Foundational data on the concern/excitement split.
USC AI Global Opinion Tracker (Wave 3)
August 2025 • n=1,009 U.S. adults
56% cite trust as biggest barrier. Identified 5 professional "super-groups" with distinct AI attitudes. Growing negativity (22%→28%) confirms attitude crystallization.
Stanford HAI AI Index Report 2025
April 2025 • Meta-analysis of global surveys
55% see AI as beneficial (up from 52%). 66% expect profound change in 3-5 years. Trust declining to 47% even as optimism increases—a key tension.
Ipsos AI Monitor 2024
June 2024 • n=23,685 across 32 countries
53% excited, 50% nervous (simultaneously). 60% expect job changes. Gen Z shows highest concern (46% vs 36% average).
Elon University Digital Future Center
September 2025 • n=1,005 U.S. adults
52% expect "deep and meaningful" or "revolutionary" AI impact. 55% expect negative impact on social/emotional intelligence.
Additional Sources
Supporting research from our meta-analysis
Beyond pro or anti.
Simple "pro-AI" or "anti-AI" labels mask the nuance of how people actually relate to these technologies. Our 11 archetypes capture the why behind someone's AI stance—their values, concerns, and motivations.
Resistance Cluster
- 🤔 The Skeptic/Resistor
- 🛡️ The Guardian
- 🤝 The Humanist
- ⚖️ The Egalitarian
Pragmatic Cluster
- 🔧 The Pragmatist
- 📚 The Scholar
- 🎓 The Learner/Educator
- 🔗 The Integrator
- 🌱 The Steward
Accelerationist Cluster
- 🚀 The Innovator
- 📈 The Strategist
Why this matters for organizations
Most AI initiatives fail not because of technology, but because of people. Understanding your organization's sentiment distribution helps you:
Identify Champions & Skeptics
Know who will drive adoption and who needs additional support or reassurance.
Tailor Communication
Speak to each archetype's values—ROI for Strategists, safety for Guardians, fairness for Egalitarians.
Bridge the Silicon Ceiling
Address the adoption gap between leadership and frontline workers.
Time Your Initiatives
Act before attitudes fully crystallize and become resistant to change.
Validate the hypothesis
Take the quiz to discover your archetype and contribute to our research on workforce AI sentiment.