42% of U.S. workers say asking for tech help is embarrassing, study finds

By AI, Created 11:12 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – A new INTOO survey found many U.S. workers are using AI confidently but quietly, with limited guidance and a reluctance to ask for help. The findings point to a culture problem that could slow adoption, create inconsistent practices and limit the business value of AI.

Why it matters: - The study suggests AI adoption can stall even when workers have access to the tools and believe they know how to use them. - Silent, unsupported use of AI can create inconsistent work practices, missed innovation and harder-to-manage risk for employers. - The findings point to psychological safety as a business issue, not just an employee comfort issue.

What happened: - INTOO released a study, The Hidden Culture Issue Slowing AI Adoption, conducted by The Harris Poll. - The survey included 1,158 U.S. workers employed full or part time. - The research found 52% of employees consider themselves experts at using AI for work-related tasks. - The research found 63% believe AI knowledge for work-related tasks makes them more valuable employees. - 20% of workers said they are unclear about what is acceptable when using AI for work-related tasks. - 25% said they would not feel comfortable telling others in their organization they used AI to complete a work task. - 42% said it would be embarrassing to ask coworkers for help with new technology, including AI.

The details: - INTOO described the pattern as “silent AI usage,” meaning informal experimentation without visibility or shared learning. - Younger workers ages 18-34 were more likely to call themselves confident in their AI skills, at 63%, compared with 39% of workers ages 45 and older. - Workers ages 18-34 were also more likely to feel embarrassed asking coworkers for help with new technology, at 55%, versus 35% among workers ages 35 and older. - 34% of workers said they worry AI could replace their jobs within two years. - 59% said they are not concerned AI will replace their jobs within two years. - The survey was fielded online in the U.S. from March 31 to April 2, 2026. - The polling margin of error is plus or minus 3.6 percentage points, with a 95% confidence level.

Between the lines: - The results suggest the main obstacle to AI adoption is not technical skill but workplace culture. - Workers appear willing to use AI, but many do not feel safe asking questions or being open about how they are using it. - That gap can leave organizations with uneven guardrails and limited shared learning. - Mira Greenland, chief revenue officer at INTOO, said the issue is “not a technology gap; it’s a culture gap.” - Greenland said companies risk inconsistent practices, missed innovation and workers falling behind if AI learning happens in isolation.

What’s next: - INTOO says organizations should set clear, practical AI guidelines to reduce confusion. - The report recommends leaders normalize transparency by modeling AI use openly. - INTOO also recommends building psychological safety so employees feel comfortable asking questions and sharing how they work. - The report argues companies that lead on AI will be the ones that create cultures where employees can learn together, rather than quietly on their own.

The bottom line: - The study’s message is simple: AI adoption will depend as much on workplace culture as on the tools themselves.