WHAT THE DATA SAY: Third of Americans feel they’re more likely to die from AI than old age

By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell and Allison Worldwide. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

AI REVOLT

Americans are wary of AI’s risks and increasingly reliant on it – especially Gen Z, who is using AI for work and emotional support, according to a new report from The Harris Poll.

• 28% of Americans (and 38% of Gen Z) believe they are more likely to die from AI than from old age.
• 53% oppose data centers locally, and 38% of Gen Z has protested or spoken out against one (compared with 26% of the general population).
• While 68% say AI can be useful, the same number says AI feels forced on them.
• 48% of Gen Z has avoided a brand because it uses AI, while 52% have actively tried to use AI less.
• At the same time, 54% of Gen Z and Millennials say AI has become so useful that they could not easily return to life without it.
• 53% of Gen Z and Millennials use AI for emotional support or companionship each month.
• 54% talk to AI rather than a person when they need support.
• Among those turning to AI for support, 57% say it feels safer, 47% say it is less expensive, and 31% say it is cheaper than seeing a professional.
• See also: A quarter of Americans would consider an AI partner if they were alone in 20 years

THE RETIREMENT SQUEEZE

Retirement is looking less certain and more expensive for Americans due to inflation and Social Security uncertainty, according to new Harris Poll research with Athene.

• 83% of Americans say their generation faces retirement challenges previous generations did not.
• 61% say they have fewer guaranteed retirement-income options than prior generations.
• 63% are concerned Social Security will run out of funds before they can collect benefits.
• 67% cite rising health care costs as their leading retirement concern, followed by inflation (62%).
• Half of respondents say inflation is affecting their ability to save for retirement, and day-to-day expenses also are eroding retirement preparedness for 39% of Americans.
• See also: Half of Current GLP-1 Users Say They May Have to Choose Between Medication and Retirement Savings

CRYPTO CURIOUS

Most Americans who do not own crypto are open to it, yet they need more trusted guidance before buying, according to The 2026 Crypto Readiness Report from Harris Poll and the National Cryptocurrency Association.

• 59% of non-holders are open to crypto, including 7% who expect to buy soon.
• More than 33 million Americans who do not currently own crypto say they are likely to buy.
• 55% of likely buyers are people of color, 43% are women and 42% have household incomes below $75,000.
• Lack of understanding is the top ownership barrier (48%), followed by security and fraud concerns (43%) and those who say crypto is a scam (13%).

ICYMI: In case you missed it, check out the thought-leadership and happenings around Stagwell making news:

• People prioritize spending on experiences like travel over buying material goods (Harris Poll)
• 72% are comfortable with AI recommendations for household care products (Harris Poll)
• One in four plan to cut Halloween spending (Harris Poll)
• Changing the Game: The Value of the ‘Beyond the Broadcast’ Ecosystem (National Research Group, Sports Business Journal)
• Six in 10 Americans expect to need long-term care, but most have no financial plan for it (Harris Poll)
• 89 percent of Americans view a strong park system as a top community priority (Harris Poll)
• Bridging two worlds at Washington, D.C. summit (Ray Day)