Large Language Models in the UK: Public Use, Trust, and Attitudes

Key Findings

• — 92.7% of respondents had used an LLM at least once
• — 20.2% of the whole sample had used an AI companion (character-based platforms such as Replika or Character.AI) at least once; among companion users, 7.6% use one daily, 20.8% several times a week and 15.6% about once a week
• — Among regular LLM users, 31% use them for personal advice very often or occasionally, 24.9% for deep and meaningful conversation and 14% for role-play and companionship
• — 38% of respondents report trusting LLMs at least somewhat on matters relating to personal relationships
• — Survey data are openly available via the Open Science Framework (osf.io/agyfb)

Methodology Notes

PDF dated July 2026 (creation 2026-07-02; OII news item 2026-07-09, used as the publication date). n = 2,002 UK adults, online, December 2025, recruited through Prolific's representative-sample tool matched on age, gender and region. The executive summary describes the sample as nationally representative while the limitations section states that Prolific recruitment is not probability-based and the results should not be treated as fully representative of the UK population; both statements are carried here. Curator read the PDF (34 pages).

Sources