A new global survey from Ipsos reveals that public attitudes toward artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly complex, with excitement and nervousness about the technology now almost evenly balanced. The 2026 Ipsos AI Monitor, which surveyed people across 32 countries, found that many individuals simultaneously see AI as both an opportunity and a source of concern. Rather than becoming overwhelmingly optimistic or pessimistic, public opinion appears to be settling into a state of cautious ambivalence.
The study found significant regional differences in attitudes toward AI. Respondents in many Asian and Latin American countries were generally more optimistic about AI's benefits and more enthusiastic about AI-powered products and services. In contrast, people in North America and Europe were more likely to express concerns about the technology's risks, including its effects on jobs, privacy, misinformation, and social stability. These findings suggest that perceptions of AI are increasingly shaped by local economic conditions, cultural factors, and trust in institutions.
Despite concerns, the survey indicates that AI is becoming a larger part of everyday life. More than half of respondents said AI-powered products and services have already changed their lives during the past few years, while an even larger proportion expect AI to have a greater impact in the coming years. The results suggest that public awareness of AI's influence is growing rapidly, even as opinions about whether those changes will be positive remain divided.
The report highlights what Ipsos calls the enduring tension between the “wonder” and the “worry” of AI. People are attracted by the technology's potential to improve productivity, healthcare, education, and innovation, yet they remain concerned about issues such as job displacement, transparency, bias, and the concentration of power among governments and technology companies. As AI continues to advance, the survey suggests that public acceptance will depend not only on technological progress but also on whether institutions can build trust, demonstrate responsible governance, and ensure that the benefits of AI are broadly shared.
