Toronto - July 21, 2024 - 3:39 am
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to redefine industries and everyday life, understanding public sentiment around its development and implementation becomes crucial. The “Global Public Opinion on Artificial Intelligence, recently published by the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society in collaboration with the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto, offers a comprehensive examination of global attitudes towards AI. This extensive survey, capturing the views of over 23,000 respondents from 21 countries, provides a nuanced snapshot of the world’s collective mindset on AI. Below are select highlights from the Report.
- The Regulation Conundrum
Who should be in charge of keeping AI in check? It turns out, there’s no clear consensus. While tech companies are generally seen as the preferred regulators, particularly when it comes to AI and deepfake detection, only a small fraction of people (about 20%) believe these companies can be trusted to self-regulate effectively. Interestingly, government trust in AI regulation correlates strongly with overall AI optimism in different countries.
- AI Literacy: A Work in Progress
The good news? Most people (73%) feel they have a grasp on what AI is. The bad news? Only about half understand the concept of an algorithm. This knowledge gap extends to specific AI applications, with 63% of respondents familiar with ChatGPT, but only 30% aware of deepfakes. This disparity in AI literacy could have significant implications for public discourse and policy-making.
- A Tale of Two Worlds
When it comes to AI attitudes, geography matters – a lot. European and Anglophone countries tend to be more skeptical, showing lower levels of optimism, trust, and usage. The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia consistently rank at the bottom in these categories. In stark contrast, China, Indonesia, India, and Kenya lead the pack in AI enthusiasm and adoption.
- The AI Job Apocalypse?
Despite the optimism in some regions, job security in the face of AI remains a global concern. Over half of the respondents believe their jobs will be replaced by machines within the next decade. Even in countries where the majority feels secure, at least a third still see job loss as a real possibility. The outlook for the next generation is even bleaker, with nearly two-thirds of people believing their children’s jobs are at risk of technological replacement.
- AI Adoption: Willingness vs. Trust
People are generally open to trying AI for various tasks, but there’s a notable gap between willingness to use and trust in effectiveness. This discrepancy is particularly pronounced for applications involving personal identity, expression, or emotions. While respondents might be okay with AI planning their vacations or choosing groceries, they’re far less comfortable with it selecting their clothes or potential romantic partners.
As we navigate the new world of AI, these findings underscore the need for nuanced, culturally aware approaches to development, regulation, and education. The AI revolution is here, but how we shape it – and how it shapes us – remains very much an open question.
You can access the full report at:Â https://srinstitute.utoronto.ca/news/public-opinion-ai-survey-24
