FGS Report: Public Trust In AI Lags Other Technologies
(MENAFN- PRovoke)
Trust in artificial intelligence lags behind other technologies, including search engines, smartphones, online banking, streaming and entertainment platforms, and even social media-although support for the technology increases when potential benefits are described, suggesting that the right communication can change the minds of at least sme skeptics.
Those are the findings of The FGS AI Radar Pulse report, based on nationally representative polling of 7,052 adults across Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, the UK and the US, and 39 in-depth interviews with senior political, regulatory and business leaders.
The report found that AI adoption is high, with 71% of adults surveyed having used an AI tool in the past six months. Of those who have used AI, nine put of 10 report using AI to get information or answers to questions. AI usage is widespread in a number of other applications, including for health or well-being information (70%), creative work (65%), learning and education (62%), and travel and lifestyle (62%). And 61% report using AI at work, although only 18% of people report using it at work most days.
But trust lags significantly: AI scores a net positive of just +18% behind social media which scores +35% and far behind smartphones (+74%), search engines (+78%), online banking (+69%) and streaming and entertainment platforms (+65%).
Almost two-thirds (63%) of the public believe AI safety should be prioritized above the global AI race. And only 7% believe AI companies should be left to self-regulate on cybersecurity.
While those views are largely consistent across markets, the UK is a notable outlier, with attitudes towards AI measurably more negative.
The report also finds that expert opinion on AI, particularly among policymakers, is catching up with public skepticism, marking a significant shift from the optimism that thought leaders expressed just six months ago. Cybersecurity incidents and geopolitical developments are cited as turning points for the shift in expert opinion.
There is a growing distinction between the views of political and industry stakeholders, with the latter-while not monolithic in outlook-remaining more focused on both the productivity benefits of AI, as well as stressing the continued market momentum in the sector.
The picture is not, however, completely uniform across all markets. While a significant deterioration in attitudes was noted in the US, Japanese stakeholders stand out as more sanguine about the risks of AI and positive about its potential, with one expert stressing that the government's approach would remain“pragmatic, not emotional” with a narrower AI policy focus, reflecting its principles-based approach to regulation.
The good news for AI companies and their communicators is that 37% of respondents reported a more positive overall view of AI after they were presented with AI's potential benefits. The benefits that resonate most are practical and visible, such as everyday convenience (selected by 29%), expanding access to expert-level answers and knowledge (25%), solving complex problems (22%), and scientific breakthroughs (21%).
According to Alex Geiser, chief executive officer of FGS Global, "The combination of widespread AI usage, public skepticism and a suddenly cautious political class is unlike anything we've seen with previous tech transitions. At the same time, high adoption rates coupled with real benefits mean the public is persuadable.
“The gap between usage and trust is the defining communications challenge for AI right now, and our research shows it's entirely possible to close it. When people start to consider the many benefits that AI brings, their perspective shifts significantly.”
Those are the findings of The FGS AI Radar Pulse report, based on nationally representative polling of 7,052 adults across Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, the UK and the US, and 39 in-depth interviews with senior political, regulatory and business leaders.
The report found that AI adoption is high, with 71% of adults surveyed having used an AI tool in the past six months. Of those who have used AI, nine put of 10 report using AI to get information or answers to questions. AI usage is widespread in a number of other applications, including for health or well-being information (70%), creative work (65%), learning and education (62%), and travel and lifestyle (62%). And 61% report using AI at work, although only 18% of people report using it at work most days.
But trust lags significantly: AI scores a net positive of just +18% behind social media which scores +35% and far behind smartphones (+74%), search engines (+78%), online banking (+69%) and streaming and entertainment platforms (+65%).
Almost two-thirds (63%) of the public believe AI safety should be prioritized above the global AI race. And only 7% believe AI companies should be left to self-regulate on cybersecurity.
While those views are largely consistent across markets, the UK is a notable outlier, with attitudes towards AI measurably more negative.
The report also finds that expert opinion on AI, particularly among policymakers, is catching up with public skepticism, marking a significant shift from the optimism that thought leaders expressed just six months ago. Cybersecurity incidents and geopolitical developments are cited as turning points for the shift in expert opinion.
There is a growing distinction between the views of political and industry stakeholders, with the latter-while not monolithic in outlook-remaining more focused on both the productivity benefits of AI, as well as stressing the continued market momentum in the sector.
The picture is not, however, completely uniform across all markets. While a significant deterioration in attitudes was noted in the US, Japanese stakeholders stand out as more sanguine about the risks of AI and positive about its potential, with one expert stressing that the government's approach would remain“pragmatic, not emotional” with a narrower AI policy focus, reflecting its principles-based approach to regulation.
The good news for AI companies and their communicators is that 37% of respondents reported a more positive overall view of AI after they were presented with AI's potential benefits. The benefits that resonate most are practical and visible, such as everyday convenience (selected by 29%), expanding access to expert-level answers and knowledge (25%), solving complex problems (22%), and scientific breakthroughs (21%).
According to Alex Geiser, chief executive officer of FGS Global, "The combination of widespread AI usage, public skepticism and a suddenly cautious political class is unlike anything we've seen with previous tech transitions. At the same time, high adoption rates coupled with real benefits mean the public is persuadable.
“The gap between usage and trust is the defining communications challenge for AI right now, and our research shows it's entirely possible to close it. When people start to consider the many benefits that AI brings, their perspective shifts significantly.”
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