Americans Want AI on Their Own Terms, New Shift Browser Study Finds

Shift's second annual State of Browsing Report finds 68% have used AI instead of traditional search, yet 64% prefer a browser that puts them in control

VICTORIA, BC, Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Shift Browser, the customizable browser built around user choice and control, today released its 2027 State of Browsing Report. Now in its second year, the report shows Americans are making AI part of everyday life online, and they want to be the ones deciding how it works.

Based on a survey of just over 1,000 U.S. internet users, the report finds that 68% have used an AI tool instead of traditional search in the past six months, climbing to 80% among adults ages 18–24. At the same time, nearly two-thirds (64%) say they'd rather use a browser that gives them more control, even if it means making more decisions themselves.

"People are using AI every day, but they want to be the ones deciding how it works," said Neil Henderson, CEO of Shift. "That's how we built Shift. You choose which tools live in your browser, how your Spaces are set up, and whether AI is part of it at all. Our research shows that's exactly what people are asking for."

Key Findings from the 2027 State of Browsing Report

• AI is changing how people search - 68% have used AI instead of traditional search in the past six months, while 53% say AI has made their online lives simpler.
• Consumers want control, not automation by default - 64% prefer a browser that puts them in control, while 32% want to be asked before new AI features are enabled and another 22% prefer to opt in.
• Privacy and trust remain major concerns - 48% are very uncomfortable with AI accessing stored personal identifiers, and 42% worry about AI taking unintended actions.
• Browser habits are hard to break. Chrome remains the primary desktop browser for 58% of respondents, with pre-installation and familiarity helping drive continued use.
• Digital overload persists, especially among younger users - 39% leave tabs open out of fear of losing information, while younger adults report higher levels of digital fatigue than seniors.

Now in its second year, Shift's State of Browsing Report explores how consumer expectations are evolving as AI becomes more integrated into their everyday lives. The findings point to a growing demand for browsers that balance AI-powered convenience with privacy, flexibility and user choice.

Read the full 2027 State of Browsing Report at shift.com/state-of-browsing.

About the Report
The 2027 State of Browsing Report is based on a nationally representative survey of 1,005 U.S. internet users, conducted in September 2026 by MX8 and commissioned by Shift Browser. The study looks at browser habits, AI adoption, privacy concerns, digital fatigue and the features people value most online.

About Shift
Shift is a customizable browser built to give people greater choice and control over how they work and browse online. Shift brings apps, accounts, tabs and tools into customizable Spaces, helping users organize their digital lives around the way they actually work. With privacy-conscious features, optional AI and tools designed to reduce digital overload, Shift is building an alternative to one-size-fits-all browsing. As part of the Redbrick portfolio of companies, Shift is a Certified B Corp and a pioneer in carbon-neutral browsing. For more information, visit www.shift.com.

SOURCE Shift Technologies Inc.