AI usage doubles among rural Nebraskans

According to the 2026 Nebraska Rural Poll, artificial intelligence usage has seen a significant increase in rural areas. The percentage of rural Nebraskans who have used AI tools rose to 55%, up from 27% in 2024.

Demographic data indicates that usage is highest among younger residents, with at least 75% of respondents aged 19 to 39 having used the technology, compared to 23% of those aged 65 and older. Other groups showing higher adoption rates include women and individuals with higher levels of education or household income.

Despite the rapid growth, many respondents expressed concerns regarding the reliability of AI. While usage is increasing, only a small fraction of participants report using generative AI frequently to learn about specific topics such as education, science, or family-related issues.