42% of British adults would eliminate generative AI if they could

New YouGov data shows widespread public resistance to generative AI in the UK. 42% of British adults would eliminate it entirely if they could, and 22% remain undecided, meaning only 36% clearly want to keep it. The most striking finding is that 55% of 18-24 year olds would make generative AI disappear—the highest of any age group and twice the proportion of young people who would keep it. This challenges the assumption that younger generations are more pro-tech, and may stem from greater exposure to AI-generated misinformation on social media and fears about job displacement in entry-level roles.

Separate studies confirm a global decline in AI trust since ChatGPT launched in late 2022. The proportion finding AI 'not acceptable at all' rose from 23% to 30% in a 2025 survey, and 50% of Americans feel more concerned than excited. Environmental concerns also fuel opposition: 48% of UK adults would oppose a new AI data center in their area. Despite billions invested by OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Anthropic and Meta, public sentiment remains skeptical—especially among the very users these companies target.