Americans lead the world in AI anxiety
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Illustration: Maura Kearns/Axios
More people are concerned than excited about the rise of AI in daily life, with Americans topping the global worry list, per a new global report from Pew Research Center out Wednesday.
Why it matters: Public concern over AI could shape how quickly the tools are adopted, and could upend workplaces if employees aren't comfortable with the changes.
The big picture: Half of U.S.-only respondents said they were more concerned with AI than excited about it in a study released in September.
- Wednesday's report showed that only Italy matched the U.S. percentage of concern about AI.
- At the low end, 16% of people in South Korea and 19% of people in India say they're more concerned than excited.
Between the lines: Men and highly educated people across the globe are more likely to be aware of AI and more likely to be excited about it.
- Women, older adults and those with less education express more concern.
- Heavy internet users are more likely to be enthusiastic.
By the numbers: Even as the contestants in the global race for AI have effectively narrowed to the U.S. and China, many people around the world trust neither country to regulate the technology.
- 48% of people say they have "not too much" or "no trust" in the U.S. to regulate AI.
- 60% of people say they have "not too much" or "no trust" in China on regulation.
- 55% say they have "a lot of" or "some" trust in their own country regulating AI, and 53% say they have "a lot of" or "some" trust in the EU.
How it works: For the non-U.S. data, Pew surveyed 28,333 adults in 25 countries across six regions.
- Interviews were conducted by phone from Jan. 8 to April 26.
- For the U.S. data, Pew spoke to 3,605 adults from March 24 to 30, and 5,023 adults from June 9 to 15.
The bottom line: Americans may be nervous about the AI future, but Washington and Silicon Valley are doubling down anyway.
