Positive emotions toward AI outweigh negative ones in 34 out of 37 countries (news.gallup.com)

A recent Gallup survey in collaboration with Microsoft revealed that positive emotions toward artificial intelligence (AI) surpass negative feelings in 34 out of 37 countries. This ongoing study, which aims to cover 140 countries, assesses public sentiment on AI through dimensions such as emotional response, awareness, usage frequency, expected impact, and trust. Findings indicate a median awareness of AI at 81%, but with only 43% having ever used it. Interestingly, optimism about AI's benefits is prevalent even in countries with low adoption rates, such as Nigeria and Vietnam, highlighting a gap between public sentiment and actual engagement. Notably, while many respondents express hope for AI’s positive impact, trust in its accuracy remains low, with a median of just 36% across the surveyed countries. Frequent users tend to exhibit greater trust, suggesting a correlation between usage and confidence in AI technologies. Western countries, despite their high levels of AI engagement, report the highest anxiety levels about the technology, underscoring a paradox where increased familiarity does not necessarily equate to reduced fear. Overall, as AI adoption continues to rise, understanding public sentiment and trust is essential for fostering a positive relationship with this transformative technology.