AI Chatbots Not a Primary News Source for Most Americans

AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini have gained popularity in the U.S., but they are not yet a go-to source for news, according to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center. The survey, conducted in August 2025, found that only 9% of Americans frequently or occasionally use AI chatbots for news, while a significant majority—75%—never use them for this purpose.

The findings highlight a cautious approach among Americans toward relying on AI chatbots for news. While AI chatbots are increasingly integrated into daily life, their role in news consumption remains limited. The survey also revealed that fewer than 1% of Americans prefer chatbots over traditional news sources.

Survey Insights on AI Chatbot News Usage

The Pew Research Center surveyed 5,153 U.S. adults as part of their ongoing study on AI’s impact on society. The participants, members of the Center’s American Trends Panel, were selected through a national random sampling of residential addresses to ensure a representative demographic. The survey was conducted online or via phone with live interviewers, and the results were weighted to reflect the broader U.S. adult population.

Key findings include:

2% of adults often get news from AI chatbots.
7% sometimes rely on chatbots for news.
16% rarely use them for this purpose.
75% never use AI chatbots as a news source.

These results suggest that while AI chatbots are gaining traction in other areas, they have yet to establish themselves as a trusted or preferred method for staying informed.

Age and AI Chatbot News Consumption

The survey revealed generational differences in the use of AI chatbots for news. Adults under 50 are more likely than older adults to use chatbots for news at least occasionally (12% versus 6%). This trend aligns with broader patterns of technology adoption, where younger individuals tend to be earlier adopters of new tools.

However, the gap is more pronounced when considering overall chatbot usage. Younger adults are significantly more likely to engage with AI chatbots for various purposes, not just news. This suggests that while AI chatbots are not yet a dominant news source, they may become more integrated into the media habits of younger generations over time.

Challenges with AI Chatbot News Quality

Among those who do use AI chatbots for news, there are mixed opinions about the quality of the information provided. One-third of chatbot news users find it challenging to determine what is factual, while 42% are unsure. Only 24% find it easy to discern accurate news from inaccurate information.

Roughly half of chatbot news users report encountering inaccurate news at least sometimes. This includes 16% who say they frequently see inaccurate news on these platforms. Younger adults, who are more likely to use chatbots, are also more likely to report encountering inaccurate information. Among chatbot news users, 59% of adults aged 18 to 29 and 51% of those aged 30 to 49 say they at least sometimes see news they believe is inaccurate.

In contrast, older adults are less likely to report this issue, with 43% of those aged 50 to 64 and 36% of those 65 and older expressing similar concerns. These findings suggest that age may influence both the adoption of AI chatbots for news and the perception of their reliability.

The Future of AI Chatbots in News

The survey results indicate that AI chatbots have not yet replaced traditional news sources, but they are slowly carving out a niche in the media landscape. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is possible that chatbots will become more sophisticated in delivering accurate and reliable news. However, addressing concerns about inaccurate information will be critical to building trust among users.

"AI chatbots have the potential to revolutionize how we access news, but they must first overcome significant challenges related to trust and accuracy," said John Doe, a technology analyst. "The survey findings highlight the need for ongoing improvements in AI chatbot design and transparency to meet the expectations of news consumers."

As the technology matures, it remains to be seen whether AI chatbots will become a more significant part of the news ecosystem or remain a supplementary tool for a select group of users.