There's a big, and increasing, disconnect in culture right now when it comes to artificial intelligence. Companies of all shapes and sizes are hunting for places to deploy AI and can't stop talking about how this new technology will change everything. But when you ask people about AI, the consistent response is: no thanks. Study after study shows people are [worried about the effects of AI](https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2025/09/17/how-americans-view-ai-and-its-impact-on-people-and-society/) and simply [don't find the technology worth all the downsides](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/poll-majority-voters-say-risks-ai-outweigh-benefits-rcna262196). _Verge_ subscribers, don't forget you get exclusive access to ad-free _Vergecast_ wherever you get your podcasts. Head [here](https://www.theverge.com/account/podcasts). Not a subscriber? You can [sign up here](https://www.theverge.com/subscribe). On [this episode of _The Verge …_](https://pod.link/vergecast) [ The Verge.](