When asked how they feel personally about AI and its impact on careers, business, and society, just over half of professionals (52%) we surveyed said they feel positive. The other 48% landed on neutral (19%), unsure (18%), or negative (11%).
That's from the 2026 State of AI for Business Report, a survey of more than 2,100 professionals on how they understand, adopt, and organize around AI.
The 52% is a majority, but barely. That’s worth noting because the respondents are professionals who found the survey through AI-focused channels, who work at organizations actively exploring AI, and many of whom are advanced users. If nearly half of this group isn't positive, the broader workforce is almost certainly more skeptical.
We’re seeing that in the growing backlash to AI data centers around the country, which was discussed in Episode 232 of The Artificial Intelligence Show podcast and examined further in our blog, The Data Center Revolt Is Exposing AI's Trust Problem.
Our sentiment data also shifts with seniority. Among CEOs, founders, and presidents, 59% report positive sentiment. VPs and other C-level executives come in at 58%. But Directors drop to 44%, Managers to 50%, and Specialists to just 43%.
That gap matters because the people making AI investment decisions — and often championing adoption internally — appear to be the most optimistic people in their organizations. But they might be underestimating how their teams actually feel. And that can lead to stalled AI tool rollouts, slower adoption, and growing skepticism.
This is just one data point from a report full of them. You can read and download the complete 2026 State of AI for Business Report for more insights on organizational readiness, training gaps, governance, and more.