Global awareness of artificial intelligence (AI) varies significantly across countries and demographics. According to a Pew Research Center survey, a median of 34% of adults across 25 countries say they have heard or read a lot about AI, while 47% have heard a little about it, and 14% have heard nothing at all. The survey highlights the diverse levels of awareness about AI, with some countries showing high levels of awareness while others lag behind.
Awareness of AI tends to be higher in countries with higher levels of economic development. In countries like Japan and France, 53% and 52% of adults, respectively, report having heard a lot about AI. In contrast, in countries like Kenya and India, awareness of AI is relatively low, with only 12% and 14% of adults, respectively, saying they have heard a lot about AI. These differences in awareness may reflect varying levels of access to technology and digital literacy.
The survey also reveals demographic differences in awareness of AI. Young adults are more likely to be aware of AI than their older counterparts. For instance, in Japan, 77% of young adults have heard a lot about AI, compared to 39% of older adults. Additionally, people who use the internet almost constantly are more likely to be aware of AI than those who are online less often.
The relationship between awareness of AI and GDP per capita is also notable. In general, countries with higher GDP per capita tend to have higher levels of awareness about AI. This may be due to the increased availability of technology and digital infrastructure in these countries, which can facilitate greater exposure to AI and related technologies.
