Despite companies continuing to push for new advancements in the world of artificial intelligence, new data shows that only about a third of Americans say they trust the technology.
According to the data from the Edelman Trust Barometer, only 32% of Americans say they trust AI, while their counterparts in other countries sit at the other end of the spectrum.
The findings were reported in the annual global survey “Insights for the Technology Sector.” The survey highlighted that around the world, AI is viewed through a different lens depending on the country you live in.
For example, 72% of people who live in China say they trust AI, along with 49% of the world overall.
“Fifteen years ago, tech was the engine of optimism,” Justin Westcott, Edelman’s global technology chair, said in a press release. “Today, AI stands at the center of the next big leap forward. But with great potential comes great scrutiny. Trust is no longer a given. It must be earned.”
Westcott shared that AI is “an inflection point,” with the world either preparing to accept it or swear it off.
“The path ahead isn’t about hype or fear. It’s about proving its value, demonstrating responsibility, and bringing society along for the journey,” he said.
While China may be on the opposite side of the spectrum to the U.S., the survey found that it wasn’t alone in its distrust of AI, especially among developed nations.
According to the survey, countries like Ireland, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Germany had some of the lowest trust scores out of any country, with less than 30% of their adult populations saying that they trust AI.
On the other side, India and Nigeria had the highest levels of trust, at 77% and 76%, respectively.
When it comes to AI being used by businesses, the findings were similar, with less than a third of those in the U.S., Spain, Sweden, Germany, and France saying they are comfortable with companies using the technology.
Meanwhile, countries like India, Indonesia, China, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria voiced that they are comfortable with businesses using AI.
When it comes to other demographics, the poll found that women, older individuals, and those with lower levels of income were the least likely to trust AI.
The survey also noted that trust among U.S. adults in tech companies “to do what is right” has fallen 10% over the last decade to 63%. Globally, that figure remained around 76%.