A new Howdy consumer sentiment survey on artificial intelligence (AI) adoption among Americans found trends of reluctant adoption and an overarching feeling it’s not good for them:

• 96% have tried AI, and 86% use it currently.
• 51% said AI is overhyped.
• 77% said it makes people lazier, and 57% said it weakens critical thinking.

For the people who use it, the day-to-day experience is overwhelmingly positive—98% find AI useful, 86% said it improves their lives, and 75% said it makes them more productive.

Americans also trust AI more than social media, government agencies, search engines, journalists, and employers. For example, one in five (20%) trust AI more than government agencies, and 14% trust it more than journalists.

Still, only about a quarter (26%) of users currently pay for AI, and 54% said they would stop using it entirely if it required payment. Given the choice between investing in AI and investing in manpower, 68% would rather invest in people. Furthermore, only 18% of users said AI makes them money.

When Americans reach for AI, they overwhelmingly reach for it as a search tool. Search habits are clearly in flux, but traditional search still holds the line—for now. When asked how they prefer to look things up:

• 51% choose traditional Google search.
• 25% prefer Google’s AI Mode/AI Overviews.
• 15% use a non-Google AI tool.
• 9% opt for a non-Google search engine.

Add it up and roughly four in 10 Americans now prefer some form of AI-driven answer over the classic blue links.

Why are restrooms still your biggest complaint source?

Restrooms are among the most visible—and most complained-about—areas in any facility. Odors, staining, supply issues, and heavy traffic can quickly impact user perception. On the positive end, clean, well-stocked, and inclusively designed restrooms can create faster experiences for users, more efficient routines for custodians, and highly reliable and economical solutions for facility managers.

Registrants for Solutions to Top Restroom Challenges, a free webinar from Cleaning & Maintenance Management on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 1 p.m. CT, will learn tips for keeping restrooms in prime condition while meeting users’ needs.

In this webinar, we’ll walk through proven strategies to stay ahead of restroom challenges through smarter routines, better product selection, and technology-driven monitoring to deliver consistent, high-quality results.

You’ll learn how to:

• Eliminate persistent odors with targeted cleaning strategies.
• Prevent and remove staining across high-use restroom surfaces.
• Manage supply levels with smarter, more efficient systems such as sensor-enabled tools.
• Improve cleanliness scores and reduce user complaints.
• Implement solutions that improve hygiene outcomes for every user.
• Control cost per restroom visit without sacrificing quality.

Moderated by CMM Editor Elizabeth Christenson, the webinar features a panel of restroom care experts:

• Alec Fomin, Director of Member Experience, Sage
• Uma Srivastava, Executive Director, KultureCity
• Isaac Johnson, Vice President, Aramark Healthcare+

In addition, the webinar will include a dedicated Q&A session. Bring your most challenging questions and get ready for real answers. Click here to register for CMM’s free webinar today.