Optimism about artificial intelligence (AI) is lowest in the developed world, particularly in the US, Canada, the UK, France, and Australia, according to Peter John Loewen, the Harold Tanner Dean of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University. Loewen's research, based on a survey of approximately 24,000 people from 21 countries, reveals that people in developed countries tend to be more skeptical about AI's potential benefits.
The survey highlights a global divide, with people in developing countries being more positive about AI's effects on their lives and futures compared to those in rich democratic Western countries. In the US, partisan differences are evident, with Democrats tending to favor AI for its efficiency and potential to make government more fair, while conservatives emphasize fairness and are more likely to support policies that address potential biases.
The way people think about AI is closely tied to their views on politics and economics. Concerns about job displacement, bias, and lack of transparency contribute to the skepticism. Additionally, trust in institutions to manage AI responsibly is low, with about 60% of both AI experts and the public expressing little confidence in US companies' ability to develop AI responsibly.
Those who believe AI will replace their jobs are more likely to support populist policies, while those who think AI will complement their work are more open to investing in education and training. To build public trust and foster a more positive outlook on AI, it's essential to prioritize transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in AI development and deployment. This includes addressing concerns around job displacement, bias, and privacy, as well as investing in education and retraining programs to prepare workers for an AI-driven future.
