Large Language Models in the UK: Public Use, Trust, and Attitudes

arXiv:2609.28176v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: Increasing numbers of people now routinely interact with large language models (LLMs) across many aspects of life, including in the workplace, educational settings, and for personal activities. The pace at which these tools have been adopted across society in recent years has led to substantial shifts in the ways in which people approach tasks and access information and advice. As a result, it is important for researchers and policymakers to gain up-to-date evidence on how the public engages with these technologies, including what people typically use them for, the extent to which users trust the information and advice that LLMs provide, and how the public perceives the potential benefits and risks associated with their use. We surveyed a nationally representative sample of 2,002 adults in the UK. Participants were asked about their use of LLMs, including both practical applications and more personal and social forms of engagement, their trust in the information provided by these systems across a range of topics and compared with other common sources, and their attitudes towards the potential societal benefits and risks associated with these tools. Results show that while practical tasks remain the most common type of LLM use, many people now engage with these tools for personal support. Almost one third of regular users (31%) say they use LLMs for personal and emotional support, such as talking through problems and asking for help with decisions, while one quarter report interacting with LLMs for meaningful conversation. We a

Mixed public attitudes towards LLMs

The survey indicates broad public use and high trust in LLMs, suggesting positive societal integration and practical benefits. However, significant public concern about risks implies unresolved issues and potential downsides. The overall effect is cautiously optimistic but balanced by notable apprehensions.

This is descriptive survey data on public attitudes and use patterns, not a claim about societal outcomes. The finding of emotional reliance on LLMs plus high trust is a mild concern signal, balanced by comparably high enthusiasm, keeping the net implication close to neutral.

This survey paper describes current public use, trust, and attitudes towards LLMs in the UK. It presents balanced findings of both optimism and concern regarding potential benefits and risks. The article does not make a substantive claim about AI's ultimate impact on human flourishing but rather reports on current public sentiment.

The study shows high public enthusiasm for LLMs and significant use for personal support. However, it also notes concerns, balancing the score.

SOURCE     arXiv cs.CY (Computers and Society) (tier 1)
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DOCUMENT   003e72f8-4b09-44a4-923c-672037546a99
           https://arxiv.org/abs/2609.28176
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EVIDENCE   3 extracted excerpts
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MODEL RUN  5 runs, methodology 1.0.1
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SCORE      -25  (Adverse)
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CONFIDENCE 76%