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Most Americans see China as more advanced than the U.S. in AI development, while 43% say U.S. leadership in AI is extremely or very important.
A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that a substantial majority of Americans, by a three-to-one margin, perceive China as more advanced than the United States in the development of artificial intelligence. A significant portion of U.S. adults (33%) remain unsure about which country holds the lead in AI advancement. The survey also highlights that 43% of Americans believe it is "extremely or very important" for the U.S. to be the global leader in AI, with only 22% considering it "not too" or "not at all" important. Furthermore, a majority (51%) of respondents express concern that AI development will widen the economic disparity between rich and poor countries. These key findings are based on a survey of 3,488 adults conducted in June 2026, offering insights into public sentiment during a critical period of global AI competition.
This Pew Research Center study delves into American public opinion regarding the global landscape of artificial intelligence development. It covers three primary areas: Americans' perceptions of the importance of the United States holding a leadership position in AI, their assessment of whether the U.S. or China is more advanced in this field, and their expectations about AI's potential impact on global economic inequality. The research is a continuation of the Center's long-standing work on artificial intelligence and the geopolitical balance of power between the U.S. and China. The data was collected through a survey of U.S. adults who are members of the Center’s American Trends Panel, conducted from June 22 to 28, 2026, ensuring the findings represent the views of the broader U.S. adult population. Detailed survey questions, responses, and methodology are available for public review.
The survey indicates that a plurality of Americans (36%) believe China is more advanced than the U.S. in developing AI, significantly outnumbering the 12% who credit the U.S. with greater advancement. Another 18% of respondents believe both nations are equally advanced, while a notable 33% are undecided. Demographic analysis reveals interesting differences: men (18%) are much more likely than women (7%) to say the U.S. is the leader, although even among men, more still view China as leading (31%). Similarly, Republicans (17%) are more inclined than Democrats (9%) to see the U.S. as the AI leader, but a larger share in both political coalitions believes China is ahead. Americans who regularly use AI chatbots (16%) are also slightly more likely to see the U.S. as leading compared to non-users (9%), though the sentiment that China is more advanced remains prevalent across both groups (36% each).
Most Americans think it is at least somewhat important for the U.S. to be the world leader in developing AI. Around four-in-ten (43%) say this is extremely or very important, while 34% say it is somewhat important. Only 22% say it’s not too or not at all important. This perception of importance varies significantly across demographics. Men (50%) are more likely than women (36%) to view AI leadership as extremely or very important. Educational attainment also plays a role, with 50% of those with a bachelor's degree or higher prioritizing it, compared to 39% of those with some college education or less. Age is another key factor: older adults (51% of 50-64 year-olds, 56% of 65+) are much more likely to emphasize AI leadership than younger adults (26% of 18-29 year-olds). Politically, 54% of Republicans see it as extremely or very important, compared to 34% of Democrats.
Amid concerns about unequal access to AI across the world, a majority of Americans (51%) believe that artificial intelligence will lead to an increased gap between wealthy and impoverished nations. A smaller proportion (16%) thinks AI will not significantly alter the current disparity, while a mere 7% expect it to decrease the gap. Roughly a quarter of the population (25%) is undecided on this matter. Political affiliation shows a divide, with Democrats (60%) being more likely than Republicans (45%) to foresee increased inequality due to AI. Similarly, individuals with a bachelor's degree (62%) are more prone to this view than those without (46%). Furthermore, users of AI chatbots are more likely (55%) to anticipate a widening gap compared to non-users (47%), suggesting that engagement with AI technology correlates with increased concern about its societal impact.