What I’m learning from 100+ responses: AI overwhelm isn’t about the tools — it’s about access and understanding

Quick update on my AI tools survey — and a pattern that really surprised me:

I’ve received almost 100 responses so far, and one thing is becoming clear:
the more people know about AI, the less overwhelmed they feel.

Those working closely with data or in tech tend to feel curious, even excited. But people outside those circles — especially those in creative or non-technical fields — often describe feeling anxious, uncertain, or simply lost. Not because they don’t want to learn, but because it’s hard to know where to even begin.

Another theme is that people don’t enjoy searching or comparing tools. Most just want a few trustworthy recommendations — especially ones that align with the tools they already use. A system that helps manage your “AI stack” and offers guidance based on it? That’s something almost everyone responded positively to.

Also, authentication and credibility really matter. With so many new tools launching every week, people want to know what’s actually reliable — and what’s just noise.

If you’re curious or have thoughts on this, I’d love to keep the discussion going.
And if you haven’t taken the survey yet, it’s still open for a bit longer:
👉 https://forms.gle/NAmjQgyNshspBUcT9

Have you felt similarly — that understanding AI reduces fear? Or do you still feel like you’re swimming in uncertainty, no matter how much you learn?