More people around the world are concerned than excited about the growing use of artificial intelligence, and they place greater trust in their own country or the European Union to regulate it than in the United States or China. These are key findings from a comprehensive survey across 25 countries by the Pew Research Center. A median of 34 percent of adults are more concerned than excited about AI’s increased use, compared to just 16 percent who are more excited.
The largest share of people, a median of 42 percent, feel equally concerned and excited about the technology’s role in daily life. The report notes that concerns are especially high in countries like the United States, Italy, Australia, Brazil, and Greece, where about half of the adult population feels more concerned. In contrast, only 16 percent in South Korea share this level of worry. The survey found no country where more than three-in-ten adults are mainly excited about AI.
Public awareness of AI correlates strongly with a country’s income. People in wealthier nations such as Japan, Germany, and the U.S. report having heard significantly more about AI than those in Kenya or India. Demographics also play a crucial role. Young adults are consistently more aware of and enthusiastic about AI than older generations. For example, 46 percent of Israelis under 35 are more excited than concerned, compared to only 15 percent of those over 50. Men are also typically more aware of AI than women, and women are often more likely to express concern.
Regarding governance, a median of 55 percent of people trust their own country to regulate AI effectively. This confidence varies dramatically, from 89 percent in India to just 22 percent in Greece. The United States is deeply divided on the issue: 44 percent trust the U.S. government on regulation and 47 percent distrust it. The survey shows a partisan split, with 54 percent of Republicans trusting the government compared to only 36 percent of Democrats.
On the international stage, the European Union is the most trusted entity for AI oversight. A median of 53 percent of adults globally trust it to regulate AI effectively. The United States is trusted by 37 percent, while China garners trust from only 27 percent of those surveyed. Trust often aligns with general favorable views of these global powers. For instance, people on the political right in Europe are more likely to trust the U.S. as a regulator, while younger adults in many countries show slightly higher levels of trust in China.
