Public Trust in Business Declined in 2026 Survey

The Bentley-Gallup Business in Society Survey revealed rising skepticism toward business practices and AI in advertising.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Marketing

Isometric editorial illustration of a heavy industrial weight resting on a fragile glass surface, symbolizing the decline in corporate trust. — A 2026 Bentley-Gallup survey shows only 41 percent of U.S. adults trust businesses to act in the interest of society. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust businesses to use artificial intelligence in a responsible way?

The Bentley-Gallup Business in Society Survey, conducted from May 4 to 11, 2026, found that only 41 percent of U.S. adults trust businesses to act in the best interest of society. While 61 percent of respondents acknowledged a positive impact from businesses, concerns over pricing and the use of artificial intelligence in advertising remained prominent.

Why it matters

The findings highlight a disconnect between corporate activity and public perception, driven largely by persistent inflation and growing discomfort with AI. As a majority of consumers question whether companies are prioritizing profits over fair pricing, the integrity of corporate messaging faces increased scrutiny.

The survey interviewed 3,270 U.S. adults, with 89 percent reporting that prices increased over the past 12 months. Additionally, 80 percent of respondents believe businesses hiked prices unnecessarily to inflate profits.

The players

Bentley University

Bentley University is a private university in Waltham, Massachusetts, known for its integration of business and liberal arts education.

Gallup

Gallup is an American analytics and advisory company that provides public opinion polling and performance management consulting.

The details

The survey results also detailed widespread exposure to AI, with 79 percent of adults encountering ads appearing to be generated by the technology in the 30 days prior to the study. Despite this high visibility, 49 percent of respondents expressed a negative view toward the use of AI in advertising creation.

2022: Trust in business hit a low of 55 percent.
2025: Sixty-five percent saw businesses as having a positive impact.
May 4-11, 2026: Bentley-Gallup Business in Society Survey conducted.
Past 12 months: Eighty-nine percent of respondents reported rising prices.
Past 30 days: Seventy-nine percent of respondents saw AI-appearing advertisements.

Market Landscape

The report reflects a shift in consumer expectations regarding corporate ethics and technological transparency in an era of rapid AI adoption. These findings mirror a broader move toward skepticism as consumers increasingly evaluate companies based on their use of automation and perceived transparency in pricing.

The study suggests that shoppers are increasingly sensitive to how businesses utilize AI in their messaging and whether price hikes are justified. Consumers may find themselves more likely to question the authenticity of digital advertisements and the ethics of the companies they support.

The takeaway

Maintaining consumer trust in a digital-first economy requires businesses to be transparent about their pricing strategies and their use of artificial intelligence. Companies that fail to address these public concerns may struggle to preserve brand loyalty in an increasingly critical marketplace.